We went to a place near here called Wreckers with Jim and Janelle for dinner Saturday evening. It's located up the shore of Dickinson Bay from us and has been open since probably the late spring. I had heard good things about it, and so I was disappointed it didn't come up to par.
First and foremost in my criteria for deciding if I want to return to a restaurant is the value of the food. If I pay a lot I expect a lot - either quantity or quality. I admit I'm cheap, but on the other hand, I don't mind every once in a while spending a few bucks. But I have to feel I'm getting value for it. I didn't get that at "Wreakers".
Beer was $11.00 for a pitcher of Shiner Bock. Now call me old fashioned, but no pitcher of beer ought to cost more than $6.00, or at the very most $7.00, if it's some import. $11.00 for Shiner? I was stupified.
Next, came the menu. There was no Entree available for less than $8.00. The burgers were $7.99, but came without fries. Those were an extra $2.50.
Steaks and seafood were all $25.00 or more. Even the chicken and pasta dishes were $13.00 and up.
I was amazed at the prices and wondered how anyone could think of charging this. Then I heard an explanation. This place is owned by the same people who own the local "gentleman's club", Heartbreakers. I went there once for a bachelor party in 1989. If memory serves, The cover was $5.00, and the 6oz glasses of Bud Light were $6.00. So it figures - the owner is used to charging the customers a lot and giving little in return.
I ordered a shrimp po' boy, to compare it to the other establishment near here, called Top Water Grill. it cost $9.99, Three dollars more than Top Water. But at Top Water they use popcorn shrimp, and serve the po' boy on a bed of fries.
This Po' Boy came with about 7-8 steak fries, and it looked pitiful. I was shocked that I almost said something like "That's all?" I guess I was still thinking they could have the gall to charge $2.50 for Steak fries .
The flavor of the Po' Boy was ok, the three shrimp were large, which I have no problem with, but I think popcorn shrimp are better suited for this sandwich. The lettuce was wilted, and the dressing was nothing to write home about.
Jim's Wife ordered a Coconut breaded shrimp dish, and said it was good. I think the prices on that entree were voer $20.00, however.
The service was decent and attentive, but I felt the waitress was a little over eager to get us to buy the more expensive things. - Is this another effect of
ownership or management by an establishment who's main purpose is to separate their clientele from their money as fast as possible?
The location is nice, and they had a blues band there which was a little too loud for this guy. I was surprised they felt the need to mike their horn section. They were good musicians, however, and I would have paid money for that.
But, I can't recommend Wreckers. The prices are too high for the food they serve and you get a better deal at Top water. I hope they don't raise their prices as a result of having a higher priced neighbor.
Both places have a lot of customers, so I'm supposing the folks who go there are looking for the ambiance on the water, which I get every day at my place.