Costa Mesa: Happy Hour at Scott’s Seafood

I was down in Orange County a few weeks ago and decided to try Scott’s Seafood for happy hour. I usually go to Charlie Palmer’s but decided to stay closer to the performing arts center. The bar was busy — a good sign– so we opted to sit at the oyster bar. When we asked if they also served happy hour there, our server had to double check. And yes, they do server happy hour at the oyster bar. I was glad because I could see the open kitchen and I always like watching people cook.

After attempting to order, our server disappeared after we asked for the first item. She left without saying a word. Usually servers will say, “anything else” or try to upsell us. We had to flag down another server to get her to come back so we could complete the order. We ordered the yellowtail roll out of a choice a few different “daily” rolls.

 

The oysters were half off and we got a half dozen. While eating my third one, I gagged. Ugh, this was a bad one. My friend also got a bad oyster. Double ugh! Fearful for my general well being, I ordered Blanton’s on the rocks. Later I discovered I was charged more than the listed price “because I got it on the rocks.” Our befuddled server explained it was more because I got ice. I didn’t appreciate paying $1.50 more for ice. She then hastily said I did get more booze. Whatever. I’m not coming back. This is when I started lamenting why didn’t I go to tried and true Charlie Palmer’s.

 

My friend had the lobster bisque from the regular menu. She decided it tasted bland. Like from a can bland. I felt bad. I was the one that suggested this place. She had been before but didn’t recall it being this bad.

I also got the beets salad from the regular menu. Fortunately this was edible.

 

I was only truly happy with the burger. Though I did think it was odd there were maybe five or six sweet potato fries sprinkled on top of the regular fries. Either go halfsies or this just looks like an accidental mix up in the fryer.

A note on the cocktails – it seems whoever did the originals clashed with what they thought would sell. It’s like they couldn’t decide between going craft cocktails or flavored booze/simple-syrup sweet on the list. There were some classics but I decided to not try any of them since I wasn’t at the bar and I couldn’t gauge the bartenders’ knowledge.

We left rather hastily (had to get to a show) but also very unhappily.

 

Scott’s Seafood

3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626  —  (714) 979-2400

© The Minty  2013