I drop in Sailor Jack's every year or two. Today was once again a very nice visit. I ordered a Caesar salad with 4 anchovies on the side. The Cesar dressing was light & delicious. Added my self-chopped anchovies as I desired. The California veggie omelette was cooked exactly as I wanted it - soft - and drenched with very tasty hollandaise sauce as requested. Hash browns very nicely Brown. I think one of the veggies was not fresh, but not a big problem I asked for ice water which the service person brought in a wine glass, a nice touch. + slices of lemon, which I ask for. Quick, efficient and friendly service in a white tablecloth setting. There's an annual Street Fair across the street. So an easy live Jazz graced the outside brick patio I was seated in . They call it garden seating, but there's not enough plants to call it a garden. Also the the connecting door and building is in contrast quite dusty with flaked paint.. For the diner who faces it, like me today, it distracts from the overall authentic historic charm. Sailor Jack's was formally a house. I will be back more soon. Bring a few friends. read more

We spent an afternoon galavanting around the town I went to high school in and worked in through the early years of the 80's. I couldn't skip checking out Sailor Jack's, which used to be the Nantucket Fish Company, when I worked there in the mid 80's. The lunch menu offers some very different items than were offered four decades ago, but some items from those days are still featured today. (Items like clam chowder and fried prawns, for example.) Our server, Elizabeth, was great. She answered our questions and ensured we were happy with our food, at least as far as she could ensure... the food, however, was rather mediocre. We ordered a variety of food ranging from crab artichoke dip, to a chicken club, to fish and chips, to clam chowder, to a burger, and finally crab cakes. The starter, sandwich, fish and chips, and burger were all okay. The crab cakes however were not liked by those in our group that tasted them. (A lot of filler and not much crab from what one of our party members said). In any case, I mentioned this and the crab cakes, that went mostly uneaten, were removed from our bill. Bravo for good customer service! My understanding is that the outdoor dining that we very much enjoyed, was added during Covid. Back in the 80's the outdoor eating area was all parking lot. I took a look inside to see what else has changed. The main interior dining room looks almost identical to what it looked like 40+ years ago. The previous secondary indoor dining area has now been converted to a food preparation and employee only area. The bar itself looks the same as it did in 1984, but the area around the bar looks much more like dining space than it used to. This may be a good thing as attitudes on indulgences have certainly changed over the decades. I suspect at some point I'll return, hopefully it won't be decades... read more

Sailor Jack's - Seafood Near Me - Benicia, California

Sailor Jacks has always been one of my favorite restaurants. I used to come here often when I worked right off First Street.... Just sit at the bar and enjoy a cocktail and calamari. Then when Covid hit, they turned the parking lot into an outdoor seating area and I started coming back more frequently. I like that they open early for brunch and they have really good cocktails. The service is always fast and the servers are attentive. I prefer to eat outdoors or downstairs if I'm lucky enough to grab a table by the window. I like the calamari, oysters, clams with squid ink pasta, and they have a decent fish and chips. Great place for date night or family dinner. Or if you're like me, going solo and sitting at the bar enjoying a cocktail and people watching is always a good plan! read more

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It's been a long time since I've been here and I'm glad I came back! We went for their Sunday brunch and got some good cocktails and service along with our food. The upstairs dining room is highly underrated; the views are spectacular! Pancakes- banger. Nice and fluffy Monte Cristo- yes I would get it again. A French toast club if you will Moules frites-always a hit. The tomato sauce is with the fries and mussels! Take some time out of your busy week to slow down and enjoy some company here at this Benicia gem read more

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I want to compliment the staff. It was a very warm, 92* degrees outside on a Sunday. All that said to point out, it was a busy day. We had our wheelchair bound mother with us and Jasmine the hostess went out of her way to seat us in the most comfortable area possible. She was very accommodating, and it set the tone for the whole experience. Rachel, our waitress was so nice and really on top of everything. Service was great. The runner that served our food was working on the patio with all that heat, customers and yet was so efficient. She smiled and really got food out on time! One of the most important parts about dining out is getting your food on time! The bathrooms were busy, but clean. Now about that clam chowder... it was served hot and was thick, creamy and delicious. We missed the sourdough bread, but that soup was excellent. In addition, we shared the calamari. They were hot flavorful and the sauce was yummy. They were small pieces, so you did get more batter than calamari, but I'd order it again. The fish n chips looked nice, I didn't get to try, but my boy loved it. I can't wait to go back and try it again next time we are in town. The view was impeccable. It made the whole experience come together. read more

Sailor Jack's - The patio dining area - Seafood Near Me - Benicia, California

Went here last Thursday with my mom who lives in Benicia. First biggest problem was the service. Took the longest time to get out order taken. Maybe 5-10 minutes after sitting down. Server came up to the table and I don't even remember him saying anything just standing there like tell me what you want so I can go. I asked about the squid ink pasta if it's made in house which it isn't and asked about their special. Asked for a couple minutes to decide on a main and ordered the calimari appetizer. Got our appetizer then ordered our mains. The food didn't take too long. I had the fish and chips and my mom ordered the ahi tuna. Fish and chips was pretty standard bar fair level a bit soggy and not much flavor. The side of slaw that came with it tasted old like it was about to rot. My mom's ahi was not bad. The decor and ambiance of the place in general feels a bit run down like the decor has not been updated in a long time windows are smugged. Overall this place needs some work. Shouldn't have to hunt someone down to get your water refilled or to pay the check and leave. The food was mid and the prices were premium. They have a nice view of the water but it doesn't make up for the poor service and food quality. read more

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Loved it sat in tented part outside at waters edge. Loved the chowder and a peach martini. Coming back one of these days

We dined on the lower level for date night Appetizers Caesar salad - I would skip, did stand out, tasted like bagged salad Oysters on the half shell - 10/10, great quality oysters. Came out fast. Mignonette needs a little extra TLC though Fried oysters - would skip. Thick batter, didn't taste much of anything but the batter Moules- Frites - meaty mussels. Sauce was a bit bland but the garlic from the garlic parm fries really added the necessary flavor. Hearty and entree worthy! Entree Seafood gumbo - alot of filler seafood such as baby shrimp and bay scallops. Wished the crab garnish was more than just a garnish. Lacked "spicy seafood broth" tasted just like canned tomatoes. We took 2 bites Mexican Sea Bass - blackened sea bass and fresh veggies. Was bland and we did not finish. Came with a side of chowder that was good! Drinks Passion fruit mojito - first sip was yummy, afterwards tasted like dirt water Would only come for fresh oysters, the mussels and fries, & chowder. View is beautiful, service was just off and uncomfortable. read more

We stopped by for lunch today and had three different oysters, all of which were delicious and arrived quickly. My husband ordered a crab melt that was tasty, but a little "rich". He would have preferred a salad rather than fries. My crab cake salad was very disappointing. There was enough salad dressing for three salads. The crab cakes were so over-breaded and dry I could not taste the crab. I didn't eat any more after one bite. Service was good and professional. They did offer to let me order something else, but my husband's lunch had arrived. I'll get the oyster again, but definitely not that salad!!! read more

Sailor Jack's - Crab melt - Seafood Near Me - Benicia, California

I had a lovely experience at Sailor Jack's! The atmosphere is beautiful. The service was excellent. The food was great and my drink was delicious! What a gem! read more

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We are appetizer people. We have staples that we always love to try: Cup of Clam Chowder, Fried Calamari, and Crispy Brussels Sprouts. For our entrees: Fish & Chips and Beet Salad with Grilled Salmon. The addition of bacon to the clam chowder added a nice smokiness to the chowder. Crispy Brussels sprouts were perfectly cooked with a nice char. Calamari was cooked to a perfectly light & crispy perfection. My hubby enjoyed his Fish & Chip. The salmon was perfect cooked for my Beet Salad. The addition of the dried cherries made this Beet Salad extra special. Solid 4 for food. We were a late lunch on Friday at 1pm so the main crowds had disbursed. Service was attentive. Ambiance was warm & inviting on this overcast winter day. read more

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The most delicious and affordable seafood restaurant I've ever experienced!! We've been coming for years. I can't believe I never posted about this wonderful gem of Benicia before! The service is excellent. Every time we've come, the view is always spectacular, the vibes are giving luxury! What I love is that there's so many seating areas outdoors, patio, upstairs bar area... Wherever your pleasure suits you! FYI... The gentleman bartender upstairs makes excellent cosmos! This restaurant is great for children, date, nights, brunch with friends, and a walk on the water!!! Hands down... this restaurant deserves 10 stars!!!! read more

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Nice view and good service. Food was mediocre at best. The oysters on the half shell were bad, no flavor and the horseradish was over the top hot. I wanted the food to be good but it just wasn't. read more

The food was excellent service was exceptional views were amazing and all around very reasonably priced and drinks were top-notch read more

Sailor Jack's - Mahi mahi and mango tacos - Seafood Near Me - Benicia, California

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Sailor Jack's, Benicia: Oct 16, 2025 (2.75) This eatery is located in a prime location in Benicia. The views are spectacular. You not only get a view of the water, but also the Carquinez Bridge. There are two levels of dining areas, plus patio seating. It was a lovely day so we sat on the patio. Rayleen, our server started off a bit standoffish, but ended up being extremely welcoming. Gioresio (sic) is friendly and pleasant. The Food: Beet Salad (baby spinach tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette, roasted beets, dried cherries, crumbled goat cheese, sweet walnuts, drizzled with a balsamic glaze): This was my order. The beets were sweet, with just enough dressing to mix the salad in. The sweet walnuts and crumbled goat cheese married well with the beets and greens. I enjoyed this dish very much. (5 of 5) Crab Cake Appetizer (3 dungeness crab cakes and remoulade): The crab cakes had a strong pepper seasoning, which killed any presence of the tender taste of Dungeness crab. (2 of 5) Grilled Atlantic Salmon (6 oz grilled salmon filet, lemon caper cream sauce or white wine sauce, choice of sides): The fish was cooked nicely but there was lack of seasoning. This came with a side order. We chose Clam Chowder. The clam chowder was very starchy. (2 of 5) Popcorn Shrimp (crispy fried rock shrimp, crunchy batter, served with a spicy remoulade): The texture of a nicely deep-fried popcorn shrimp should have a crispy and crunchy exterior with a tender shrimp inside. This platter of popcorn shrimp was dry and scratches the roofs of our mouths. (2 of 5) read more

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We had the fish and chips and the crabcake salad. For appetizers, we tried the oysters and the spinach artichoke dip. The food was very good! The server was also very attentive and polite. However, there was the smell of urine on the staircase when we went to our seat. The overall ambience was not very classy inside for the price of the food I was expecting a little more class. Overall, a great experience. read more

July 4Th. Wife and I heard of this gem with great views of the Bay and food without having to travel to San Francisco. We, arrived for an afternoon lunch and were greeted immediately by our Hostess (very personal and friendly) We, sat upstairs and had a "Priceless" view of the Bay. Staff, immediately welcomed us and provided us with water and warm delicious bread (just enough as not to disrupt our entree). Our, waitress was the definition of customer service and attentive throughout our time. We, both started with a cocktail simple and palate pleasing. My, Wife being a vegetarian had their Beet Salad and I chose the classic Burger and fries. Ok!!! Presentation "WOW" ! The salad was just the right size and balance of sweetness from the glazed walnuts and balanced with the earthy tender beets needing no extra seasoning. My, burger was simple fresh and cooked perfectly. I personally prefer cheddar cheese but they only have white cheddar (not bad). My fries well fries. The burger I could have had two but did not want to overwhelm myself (take one home next time). If, you are looking to have a non-commercialized experience with your Family, Significant Other and Friends "Don't look past " by stopping in and enjoying a priceless experience!!' read more

Finally trying out Sailor Jack's and I like it! I kept it simple and ordered their Fish & Chips. It was bit on the oily side, but I appreciated how I got a 3 pretty thick pieces, and the batter to fish ratio was to my liking- more fish than the batter! I got it with regular fries, but you can upgrade to garlic fries. The fries were the thick cut ones which is a great pair with the fish. I was also offered malt vinegar, and yum, yum, yum! Overall, I enjoyed my Fish and Chips and will be ordering that again next time I go to Sailor Jack's. From the outside, the location looks small, but once you walk inside, omg... it's huge! Esp up the stairs! They even have their own parking lot with outdoor seating along the waterfront; which could be beautiful on a sunny day. I like how the indoor seating has the view of the water through (I think) floor to ceiling windows. It really adds a wow factor to the restaurant. I was really impressed when I went upstairs. Like I said, it's huge! There's a bar up there and a lot of seating. It looks like it could be a nice, intimate event space! Service was great. Attentive, friendly and quick. I wouldn't say the place was packed during my visit, but there were a good amount of customers. I can imagine this place being THE spot to eat at in the early, early days. Def give them a try when you're in the area! read more

We went here Sunday afternoon after class at Happy Life Pottery up the street. So glad we chose to sit out on the patio next to the gravel parking lot - beautiful sun right in the corner. We shared the calamari and Brussels Sprouts as we both weren't very hungry. The calamari was lightly breaded so you could enjoy the meat rather than all the breading. The sprouts were amazing - not overly seasoned and great with a squirt of lemon. Food came out so quickly, I was only able to eat one slice of the warm sourdough bread. I guess that's a good thing! Our server was friendly and attentive. read more

Great service! Fast food delivered to table. Excellent Ahi Tuna sandwich. Spicy Bloody Mary was yummy! Nice view!

I don't know about this place... one thing I do know is they need a remodel. They need to reinvent themselves. You go upstairs and it's difficult to get up the stairs. There is only one rail on the left side not both sides. It's like you are literally climbing to go up. The bar area is outdated and needs to be cleaned up. It's kinda like an old bar feel. But is missing things. It looks disheveled The tables are too close together and it's difficult for people to walk by and kinda interrupt you when you are eating. The menu is weak and expensive . I did like the fiend and chips - yet how can you be out of iced tea ? Our bartender waitress is too familiar. She literally dropped the bill on the table when she walked by to see another " regular",?? I live up the street and I eat here . I usually eat outside .. a better choice along first st, on the metal tables . The outside is in gravel and plastic in a tent like structure. It's missing - on lots of levels. They need to step it up. Walk through a parking lot - the. To food. It's nicer to eat in the back yard . The staff are nice. Yes they are. I'm still giving them hope- read more

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always fun to go to Sailor Jacks - the view is great and the food is good enough. try the fish and chips

Whenever I come the Benicia I find myself at this gem. Lovely location that overlooks the Carquinez Strait and the contra costa hills. The vantage point is a dramatic backdrop for a meal. The staff are friendly, warm, and welcoming and you know that your needs will be met whenever you are their guest. The restaurant is quite nice but not stuffy and has a good level of noise which makes it fun. The second floor bar is long and has a wonderful view a the seating is comfortable with views all around. The food is fresh and comforting with familiar items which are focused on seafood. However, you can find something for everyone on their menu. They have wonderful cocktails as well and a fantastic brunch. Today I had the Crab BLT which tasty fresh and was a great take on the classic BLT. Naturally, we also ordered the Clam Chowder which is a must. read more

Sailor Jack's - Crab BLT - Seafood Near Me - Benicia, California

My fiancé and I visited Sailor Jack's in Venice around lunchtime. We usually go to the restaurant next door, but we wanted to try something different. We arrived around 1 PM for a party of two with a high chair, and there was no wait time at all. To our surprise, the restaurant was enormous, with an upstairs area that had plenty of seating. The view was stunning, even though it was foggy outside. I ordered the lunch steak sandwich, and my fiancé ordered the fish and chips. The steak sandwich was tender and flavorful, with a great herb flavor. The fish and chips were good, but I thought they were a bit too oily. Despite that, both dishes were delicious. The service was good, and the staff was friendly. There's a small parking area, but parking is mainly along the street. read more

Sailor Jack's - Seafood Near Me - Benicia, California

Sailor Jack's is really hit and miss. And that's why they're getting an updated review. I had lunch there with my Bestie. The view was great. The service was good and the food was as good as we expected. The beet salad is amazing and full of nuts, tasty beets, and cheese. It was fantastic. You should definitely try it. My best friend got the fish and chips and we shared. The fish and chips were really good. They were fresh and flaky and the batter was just right. It wasn't that beer batter that fills up with fat and oil. Overall, we had a fantastic lunch and this time Sailor Jack's was a "Hit". read more

Sailor Jack's - Fish & Chips - Seafood Near Me - Benicia, California

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We frequently walk 1st Street and each time we pass by Sailor Jack's my husband and I look at each other and ask..."you want a snack? You want some calamari?" The calamari is great!! Each time we've gone, we've tried something different. So far, we haven't come across a disappointing plate. Love the atmosphere...old school, family welcoming and casual place to dine. The best part is that it's by the water and depending on the time you go, you can catch a beautiful sunset. Some dishes we've tried - Calamari (a must), crab sandwich, burgers, and fish and chips and oysters! - all were great! Of all the times we've gone there, Rachel was the best server - genuinely kind and personable! *Monday special - Dozen oysters for $20! read more

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One of my favorite places to hang out. Right on the water, great food and service, what more could you want? I've been coming here for years and although they specialize in seafood dishes, Unfortunately I cant eat shellfish so I always stick to the burger or one of the salmon dishes. All 3 are delicious! One of the my favorite things to do is sit at the bar and watch the sun go down. Its a beautiful view and the 2 bartenders that they have are excellent at their craft. When in town swing by and give it a shot. Benicia has a lot to offer with it's walkable streets and cute shops. read more

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Service is adequate. View is great. The food is expensive and frankly terrible. Ridiculously underseasoned. The chef really enjoys blackening fish. His version is basically a teriyaki reduction that is sticky, but tastes almost of nothing and is an odd choice for a menu that leans toward red sauce Italian. Even the fish and chips, which should be a no brainer for a seafood restaurant, were underwhelming. Oil wasn't hot enough when cooked so oil soaked into breading and dripped off the fish when delivered. Could have used more napkins. Couldn't finish it. Even the oysters were inexpertly shucked and full of shell chips. Also pretty sure I got something other than the miyagis I ordered. If you're looking for a fun family meal, look elsewhere. Genuinely bad. read more

Took the family here because the spring weather is here and it's nice and sunny. Sailor Jacks is right next to the water so it's in a beautiful area. However when we got there, they said that the waterfront dining is closed. I asked why and the hostess said they usually only open it when the weather is much nicer (I guess during summer time?) Anyways we were sat in the patio facing the street. Our server took our orders and we received our meals quickly. There was another person helping her, I didn't get his name but he pretty much was the main person helping us. Our meals were a hit or miss. I was also confused because when I looked at yelp, happy hour was mentioned but when I asked our server if they had happy hour, she just said "no," so I'm not sure if they even have it on special hours. The calamari was delicious while the clam chowder was very starchy, I wasn't a fan. We also ordered the salmon and the pesto pasta. The salmon was flavorful, I liked how it was tender and flaky and the sauce it had was delicious. The pesto pasta was just okay. Fish and chips were good. And the surf and turf was a good combo. Oysters were great. Drinks were nice and generously poured. The kids get free ice cream. We didn't see our server after we got our food for 20 minutes. We needed some things, but when she checked on us we were pretty much done. All in all it was an okay experience. The food was okay. Service was okay, could be better. Would I go back? Maybe during the summer time for the water front views. read more

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We stopped coming here, unfortunately. It's an awesome venue with a great view, especially from the second story. But we feel the recipes and food quality don't do the building, location and our town justice. I don't feel the owners love food - there is a lack of creativity and appreciation for local, seasonal ingredients. Such a missed opportunity for there to be a high quality seafood restaurant here in Benicia. I think Sailor Jacks needs to really evolve. read more

Sailor Jack's in Benicia is one of those places you go for both the food and the view. Located right on the Carquinez Strait in a historic 1868 sea captain's home, the waterfront setting is beautiful--especially around sunset. The menu has a fresh, seasonal California twist with plenty of seafood options. I ordered the crab melt and it was perfect! It comes with a choice of fries or a house salad, and the portions...wow! Our server was wonderful--friendly, attentive, and always checking to make sure we were doing okay. Overall, it's a charming spot with a great atmosphere and a classic Benicia waterfront vibe. The food? Excellent! Doris S. read more

I was iffy about this place bc low stars but after going I have no clue why their rating is so low. We had 1/2doz oysters and calamari to start. Fresh and delicious! Only my second time having oysters and will definitely be back/have again! The biscuit that comes before was nice and soft. We then had mahi tacos and they were also delicious! Mahi mahi was cooked well, flavorful, coleslaw mix was creamy and good and the mango salsa tasted fresh and just the right amount of sweetness! The only complaint was bloody mary I asked for grey goose and I am pretty confident they used the well vodka. It wasn't even the $2 upcharge that bothered me it was just the principle of upcharging and not doing it. I didn't finish it bc I didn't like whatever they used so it was a waste. Should have got the blackberry forge The view is great, servers are friendly and fast. Kind of a dated building but was clean and thats all that matters read more

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Amazing service and great ambiance. Loved the decor and the intimate atmosphere. Upstairs was the bar with more seating. First time and I so enjoyed the food. Very tasteful! In downtown area close to the water. The hostess & waitress was so friendly and accommodating. Definitely will be back. read more

Sailor Jack's - Surf & Turf - Seafood Near Me - Benicia, California

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Sailor Jack's is housed in a restored sea captain's home from 1868 which makes for a cool historic feel. We sat upstairs which has great views of the Carquinez bridge. Food and service were great on a Saturday morning. I went with the Seafood Omelet which is stuffed to the brim with Bay shrimp, Dungeness crab, avocado, pepper jack cheese, spicy seafood sauce, and hash browns. This went well with the signature Bloody Mary. read more

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Great place to eat by the water! The food was great and the kids menu was exactly what we were looking for.

We were headed to concord to watch a Rugby game and stopped to get brunch at this spot that I've been wanting to try for the longest time. The place is a restored Sea captions home from 1868 that offers scenic views of the waterfront of the Carquinez Strait. No a bad seat in the house while dining. I had made a reservation so there was no wait at all. I assume as the day or night goes by it'll be a little harder to get in as fast as we did. A lot of seafood options on the menu but I ended up getting the fish and chips. Optioned for the sweet potato fries instead. The fish was fresh caught and tasted really good I just with the batter was thicker, the sweet potato fries were crispy and coleslaw was good as well. The tartar sauce reminded me of La Bou's dill sauce but it went well with it. End up getting a Hazy ipa as well in a 22oz glass. For some good seafood at a decent price and some good views be sure to make a reservation to this place. read more

Sailor Jack's - Fish and chip with added in sweet potato fries instead - Seafood Near Me - Benicia, California

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I enjoy their Monday oyster special! They are 50% off on Monday. They have a great wine selection as well.

Has an old school feel to it which I find charming. I'm a solo person so I choose to sit at the bar. I was there on Fathers Day and the place was very busy. With that said bar service was fantastic given how they were slammed . I enjoyed the Clam Chowder and yes it's thick. I like it that way verses soupy. Enjoyed the fish and chips and recommend. I just relocated to the East Bay Area and this was my first time enjoying this little gem but won't be my last. read more

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I came to Sailor Jack's with my family, they have a great outdoor covered patio for bigger families and dogs, huge plus. Although it is windy outside, because its mostly covered its really not bad! They have their own servers and bussers outdoors as well so you're not neglected by service like you do with many other restaurants. For apps, we only ordered the brussels sprouts and half dozen oysters between the 6 of us and let me tell you the brussels sprout app was HUGE, enough to share between all of us. All of the entrees were huge as well, honestly enough for 2 to share one if you're not a huge eater. I particularly loved my grilled salmon dish, I thought the salmon was cooked to a perfect medium. Overall, I would come back, good food, prices are reasonable and good spacing. read more

We had: 1 calamari 4.5/5; crunchy and fres 2 fish and chips 3.5/5; a little undercooked; 3 dore fish in wine butter sauce with brocollini and pilaf 5/5. Everything was perfect; and 4 complimentary biscuits. 5/5. Someone knows how to make biscuits, light and flakey. Service was a little slow but very nice. read more

Sailor Jack's - Calamari (half eaten) - Seafood Near Me - Benicia, California