Davis Street Fishmarket
501 Davis Street
Evanston, IL 60201-4619
(847) 869-3474
Photos by author.
A kitschy seafood restaurant, Davis Street Fishmarket is known for its fresh fish. The restaurant seemed very empty for Saturday lunchtime, and we had our choice of booths and tables. We chose a roomy booth by the window, but our tabletop had clearly not been wiped down. Crumbs and grease streaked the table. Not a good first impression.
I was famished when we arrived and disappointed that bread was not brought until ten minutes after we were seated. The bread did finally arrive, though, and it was worth the wait. Served piping hot atop a bed of greasy potato chips, the bread is light seasoned with a fluffy inside and crispy crust. Portions are generous, but the potato chips, overcooked and over-salted, are best ignored.
Our waiter seemed impatient and did not take time to explain any specials. When asked for recommendations of what was fresh, he merely shrugged. I had expected a more knowledgeable and considerate wait staff. With no direction, we did our best to make sense of the rather extensive menu.
A small box proclaiming Today’s Fresh Catch seemed promising, so we chose the Grilled Sea Scallops ($13.95) and Grilled Sea Bass ($13.95). We began our meal with an appetizer of New Bedford Clam Strips ($7.95).
The clam strips arrived quickly, but they were disappointing, Only a few pieces contained any significant amount of clam, while the rest were small bits of fried dough. The dipping container with cocktail sauce was very small as well, not nearly large enough for four people to share.
The Steamed Maine Whole Lobster ($19.95) was overcooked and a little tough. The meat was sweet but too chewy, and the tin of drawn butter was dotted with mysterious unappetizing flecks.
The Wisconsin Fish and Chips ($12.95), described as “beer battered pike served with fresh cut fries,” could have used a little more fish and less chips. Fresh cut fries? These fries had the same texture as potato chips. Somebody left the basket in the fryer too long.
The Grilled Sea Scallops and Sea Bass were the best of the bunch, but even they were just satisfactory. No special spices or touch of sea salt to enhance flavor — just the same old drawn butter. The seafood itself was edible, but served with Red-Lobster-quality technique.
After a lackluster meal, we skipped out on dessert. After rather tasty bread, the meal went downhill. Come to think of it, the bread was probably only average as well. It’s just that everything tastes great when you’re starving.
I won’t be returning to give Davis Street Fishmarket a second chance. They have modest prices for seafood, but that is no excuse for ambivalent service and poor preparation. I can find better food and far better service in Sargent dining hall.
Food: 2/5
Ambiance: 2/5
Service: 1/5
Overall: 5/15