Anthony's Fish Grotto (La Mesa) (again)

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Cathy is writing today while Kirk and His Missus are researching new places to write about, in a relaxing setting.  

In La Mesa, Anthony's Fish Grotto has been an institution, since 1950, just after the first location opened in 1946. This is now the only remaining restaurant. (Soo posted about a meal at the original Bayside location in 2016). Stepping inside, the waiting area is as magnificent as the entryway.
The menu choices here are seafood centric (although there are beef and chicken dishes as well as a signature hamburger) and vary in preparation; choices for everyone. From the Big Bay Combo($29.95)- grilled garlic butter shrimp, a crab cake and filet of sole (we asked for a substitute of the salmon) with sides of rice pilaf and slaw, the preparation and quality of food is always spot on.
To a wedge salad/clam chowder in sourdough lunch ($13.50, Mon-Sat).  There is a choice of clam chowders here and we chose the white New England style (cream based with potato and celery along with a lot of clams). The red clam chowder is also good here, with a completely different flavor profile; it's described as "zesty", which is correct.   The sourdough bowl is fresh and a good 'sour'.  The wedge salad-look at it-fresh lettuce capped with a great bleu cheese dressing, chopped tomatoes, bacon crumbles and avocado slice.  A nice summertime/lunchtime meal.  
Of course, if you want a salad as a meal, there is always the Seafood Cobb Salad ($18.95 on the lunch menu (Monday-Saturday)). Real crab, bay shrimp and chilled cooked salmon, along with bacon, tomatoes, carrot, egg, avocado, the house dressing.
 One of the first menu items at Anthony's (in 1946) was the avocado salad, (I added shrimp)($18.95 at dinner) and it is a classic. The simple blend of celery and avocado with the House dressing and the shrimp (you can add albacore tuna, crab or shrimp and crab; different prices) is just perfect to me. Lettuce, cucumber, tomato and shredded carrots make a nice 'side salad' to mix in with the plentiful amount of stacked central ingredients.  
 Then again, you can always order what you really desire.  Mama's Platter ($24.95 at dinner) with a side of veggies and baked potato has everything properly fried with crispy, light, different batters. Shrimp, calamari and crab bites are each tender and filled with flavor. 
  When you are seated and perusing the menu, warm mini-ciabatta rolls and a side of garlic-y sun dried tomato butter is brought to your table. The beginning of a memorable meal.  

Anthony's Fish Grotto 9530 Murray Drive La Mesa, CA 91942 (619)463-0368  Website Mon-Thurs 11:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday (brunch!) 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
 (Happy 'old fashioned' Birthday to my brother!)

Comments

[Soo]

We love visiting Anthony's too: https://www.hungryones.com/2016/06/anthonys-fish-grotto/

[Joy]

An oldie but a goodie. I remember many great lunches out on the bay when Anthony's had a bigger presence in San Diego. In fact, one of my first dining experiences in the city was at the Anthony's just off the 5-freeway in Chula Vista many years ago now. So happy that the one remaining location is still chugging along (I recall it was due to close a year or two ago but community support kept that from happening).

[kat]

lots of delicious choices

[Cathy]

Linked your post, Soo, thanks. Do you remember when the bayside location was for 'special occasions' and a suitcoat was required for men? Very fancy place.

Oh, I remember that Chula Vista location, Joy. Sad that it's gone. Very happy the La Mesa location was saved; it gets very crowded at lunchtime and weekends, even with more outdoor seating available.

So many choices here, all done very well, Kat.

[Soo]

Thanks Cathy! Back in the day we usually visited the Fishette and sat outside. Once in a while we saw someone a boat dock and climb up for food. Nice way to avoid paying the meter in the parking lot. They didn't have a suitcoat for the main restaurant when we visited.

[caninecologne]

Definitely an old school spot! Glad they are still around. I miss the one in CV off E and the I-5 (it is now some sort of gambling spot).

[Cathy]

There had been talk of closing this location a few years ago and we are so glad it is still here, cc. The food is always fresh (I had asked for a shrimp and crab avocado salad and they said the crab was bad so it was not available)and consistently wonderful.