It was an honor to manage the special events at Scales Seafood & Steaks for 3 years. The owner, Chris Shake, was personally invested in the success of his business AND the success of his staff. He and his family continue to invest in our community through donations to local agencies, purchasing products from companies with sustainable business practices, & hiring a diverse workforce.
Von Preußen L.
This is another terrific restaurant which is owned by Chris Shake who also happens to own Fisherman's Grotto. Customer service has always been good here and the food and the food quality are also what I would expect from any restaurant the Shake family owns. Today July 25th , 2021 I was just informed that sadly this restaurant will be closing. Once again the City of Monterey destroys another great business.
NPSW
My husband and I had the pleasure of dining at Scales while on a road trip to Southern California. We had a wonderful window seat that overlooked Monterey Bay. The steamed clams were the best I have had in my travels! My husband had the clam chowder in a bread bowl and added crab meat and was delighted with his choice. Our waiter, Argenis, was awesome. We would highly recommend Scales for excellent food, service and atmosphere.
Ellie D.
Wonderful lunch at Scales. I had a delicious crab salad with a cup of their clam chowder. Probably the best clam chowder I've ever had. The wine selection is outstanding. Sour dough bread with lots of butter to start the meal. We sat inside but still had a excellent view of the bay.
Ally W.
I have been a longtime fan of Old Fisherman's Grotto. We first went there but the wait was too long so they suggested we visited their sister restaurant. There was no wait and we got seated right away. They have the same award winning clam chowder as the Old Fisherman's Grotto so I ordered a garlic bread bowl with clam chowder. You can top it off with seafood for an extra charge. I loved the clam chowder although I thought getting the bread bowl with garlic butter was a little too rich for me. I would have preferred just the regular sourdough but wanted to try something different. My order was forgotten somehow but they brought one out really quickly once it was pointed out twice (the first guy didn't do anything lol because we waited a while and then we just asked someone else). One of our friends didn't like her salad and the manager noticed it since she didn't touch it. She took it off the bill. She didn't have to do that but that was really nice of her. I would come back here. It's a little more casual than the Old Fisherman's Grotto but still has harbor views and it's slightly not as expensive as the Old Fisherman's Grotto. And less of a wait.
351anid
Service was good not great, food was average if that. Actually it was below average. No table linemen’s on the tables so you get to see how worn out and scratched up the tables are, there were brooms, mops, and cleaning supplies out and visible for guests to see while have to endure a horrible meal with three dollar signs and having to spend $300 for it!!! Over it was a terrible experience !
Nohemy C.
My family all met up at the wharf for lunch on a Monday for my moms birthday. We wanted to go to Grotto but they don't allow kids. There were 13 of us (3 small kids) and this place was able to accommodate us into two booths next to each other. The service was exceptional and attentive. Their menu is huge and has something for everyone. They also have a small kids menu. We were all so happy with the food and the space which was spacious and with tall ceilings. I had the lobster roll which was very different from most I've had. It wasn't butter forward and it had a pineapple cole slaw on the side. I cannot emphasize enough how much my family loved their clam chowder in a toasted garlic bread bowl. They are regulars at the Grotto and they now said they will only go here. This place is perfect, beautiful & has great service and food for large groups. Check it out!!
Della S.
They have a heated outdoor patio with a great view of the boats. Their indoor dining area also has huge windows for the same great view. I was very impressed by the service. The servers were very kind and checked in on us often to refill our water. The food was alright, which is why I'm giving this place 3 stars. The meal started with some bread and butter. The bread was good, but nothing mind-blowing. We decided to share the fish and chips ($16) and added a cup of chowder ($8 alone, or $5 if added onto an entree). The fish and chips was a pretty big portion, and came with tartar sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and cocktail sauce. The fish was flaky and tender, but I was pretty disappointed by the lack of flavor of everything. The chips were soft and underseasoned. I tried dipping the fish and chips in the various sauces that the dish came with, but the sauces weren't super great either so the whole dish just felt very bland. Their chowder is creamy, thick, and very savory. They have a casual cafe attached to their sit-down restaurant. I've eaten there before; the food quality is the same as the sit-down restaurant even though the cafe prices are lower. If you're just looking for a solid bowl of clam chowder and the weather outside isn't terrible, I'd recommend ordering from the cafe and finding a bench along the bike path or in one of the nearby parks to enjoy your food.
Tricia A
Waterfront on the Monterey Wharf - this place had the best salad I ever have eaten ! Excellent all around with our party of 8 - great atmosphere too!
sirenpirate
Scales Restaurant is one of the best-kept-secrets and bargains in Monterey. It overlooks the soothing and beautiful Monterey Marina, a TERRIFIC view. We relish the local's menu Monday through Thursday. Goodness! The food is more than plentiful, of sumptuous textures and tastes and seems to just keep coming. Their appetizer plate has prawns, calamari and marinated artichokes. Next comes an ample salad or clam chowder, the thrilling entree and a dessert plate that is a work of art. We have NEVER had anything but an unbelievable and spectacular meal that leaves one almost speechless. The fish and chips are the best that our multiple guests and we have ever had. The proprietors also own The Old Fisherman's Grotto if one desires sophisticated panache. The service at both restaurants is friendly, efficient and unobtrusive. My wife and I adore these places. You must try them! Yes, you must!
Ordered the fish and chips and the fish had no flavor. The batter was not cooked properly it was soggy and had no flavor. The salad was old and salad dressing looked like chocolate and did not taste like balsamic. My son had spaghetti with meat balls, what a disappointment. Was not freshly made, the pasta was stuck together and it tasted like it was microwaved. Sauce had no good flavor. The food is overpriced and not worth it.
Jamie G.
We love the Old Fisherman's Grotto family of restos. Scales has a fresher vibe, better views and dog friendly. We always come here whenever we visit Monterey and we have never had a disappointing meal. Clam chowder soup, risotto, calamari, desserts. Everything is great!
Ron B.
We got off to a bad start when they didn't look at my service dog in her vest and said it would be a 20 min wait for the patio. I said "my service dog can go anywhere with me here", at which point the supervisor began questioning my service dogs training. She seated me shortly after telling me to calm down and relax. The drinks were fine and the seafood appetizers hit the spot.
Elisa Z.
I ordered the fish tacos, they got my order wrong and were not willing to fix it. I ate the fish and chips I received and it was incredibly greasy and bland - the fish was super dry and not tasty. Would not recommend this spot for the not great service and food.
Veggiemel
Amazing food with wonderful presentation. The service was excellent as were the views. I appreciated that our server asked right away about my gluten allergy. I was able to safely enjoy my dish and sample my fiancé's as well.
It was an honor to manage the special events at Scales Seafood & Steaks for 3 years. The owner, Chris Shake, was personally invested in the success of his business AND the success of his staff. He and his family continue to invest in our community through donations to local agencies, purchasing products from companies with sustainable business practices, & hiring a diverse workforce.
This is another terrific restaurant which is owned by Chris Shake who also happens to own Fisherman's Grotto. Customer service has always been good here and the food and the food quality are also what I would expect from any restaurant the Shake family owns. Today July 25th , 2021 I was just informed that sadly this restaurant will be closing. Once again the City of Monterey destroys another great business.
My husband and I had the pleasure of dining at Scales while on a road trip to Southern California. We had a wonderful window seat that overlooked Monterey Bay. The steamed clams were the best I have had in my travels! My husband had the clam chowder in a bread bowl and added crab meat and was delighted with his choice. Our waiter, Argenis, was awesome. We would highly recommend Scales for excellent food, service and atmosphere.
Wonderful lunch at Scales. I had a delicious crab salad with a cup of their clam chowder. Probably the best clam chowder I've ever had. The wine selection is outstanding. Sour dough bread with lots of butter to start the meal. We sat inside but still had a excellent view of the bay.
I have been a longtime fan of Old Fisherman's Grotto. We first went there but the wait was too long so they suggested we visited their sister restaurant. There was no wait and we got seated right away. They have the same award winning clam chowder as the Old Fisherman's Grotto so I ordered a garlic bread bowl with clam chowder. You can top it off with seafood for an extra charge. I loved the clam chowder although I thought getting the bread bowl with garlic butter was a little too rich for me. I would have preferred just the regular sourdough but wanted to try something different. My order was forgotten somehow but they brought one out really quickly once it was pointed out twice (the first guy didn't do anything lol because we waited a while and then we just asked someone else). One of our friends didn't like her salad and the manager noticed it since she didn't touch it. She took it off the bill. She didn't have to do that but that was really nice of her. I would come back here. It's a little more casual than the Old Fisherman's Grotto but still has harbor views and it's slightly not as expensive as the Old Fisherman's Grotto. And less of a wait.
Service was good not great, food was average if that. Actually it was below average. No table linemen’s on the tables so you get to see how worn out and scratched up the tables are, there were brooms, mops, and cleaning supplies out and visible for guests to see while have to endure a horrible meal with three dollar signs and having to spend $300 for it!!! Over it was a terrible experience !
My family all met up at the wharf for lunch on a Monday for my moms birthday. We wanted to go to Grotto but they don't allow kids. There were 13 of us (3 small kids) and this place was able to accommodate us into two booths next to each other. The service was exceptional and attentive. Their menu is huge and has something for everyone. They also have a small kids menu. We were all so happy with the food and the space which was spacious and with tall ceilings. I had the lobster roll which was very different from most I've had. It wasn't butter forward and it had a pineapple cole slaw on the side. I cannot emphasize enough how much my family loved their clam chowder in a toasted garlic bread bowl. They are regulars at the Grotto and they now said they will only go here. This place is perfect, beautiful & has great service and food for large groups. Check it out!!
They have a heated outdoor patio with a great view of the boats. Their indoor dining area also has huge windows for the same great view. I was very impressed by the service. The servers were very kind and checked in on us often to refill our water. The food was alright, which is why I'm giving this place 3 stars. The meal started with some bread and butter. The bread was good, but nothing mind-blowing. We decided to share the fish and chips ($16) and added a cup of chowder ($8 alone, or $5 if added onto an entree). The fish and chips was a pretty big portion, and came with tartar sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and cocktail sauce. The fish was flaky and tender, but I was pretty disappointed by the lack of flavor of everything. The chips were soft and underseasoned. I tried dipping the fish and chips in the various sauces that the dish came with, but the sauces weren't super great either so the whole dish just felt very bland. Their chowder is creamy, thick, and very savory. They have a casual cafe attached to their sit-down restaurant. I've eaten there before; the food quality is the same as the sit-down restaurant even though the cafe prices are lower. If you're just looking for a solid bowl of clam chowder and the weather outside isn't terrible, I'd recommend ordering from the cafe and finding a bench along the bike path or in one of the nearby parks to enjoy your food.
Waterfront on the Monterey Wharf - this place had the best salad I ever have eaten ! Excellent all around with our party of 8 - great atmosphere too!
Scales Restaurant is one of the best-kept-secrets and bargains in Monterey. It overlooks the soothing and beautiful Monterey Marina, a TERRIFIC view. We relish the local's menu Monday through Thursday. Goodness! The food is more than plentiful, of sumptuous textures and tastes and seems to just keep coming. Their appetizer plate has prawns, calamari and marinated artichokes. Next comes an ample salad or clam chowder, the thrilling entree and a dessert plate that is a work of art. We have NEVER had anything but an unbelievable and spectacular meal that leaves one almost speechless. The fish and chips are the best that our multiple guests and we have ever had. The proprietors also own The Old Fisherman's Grotto if one desires sophisticated panache. The service at both restaurants is friendly, efficient and unobtrusive. My wife and I adore these places. You must try them! Yes, you must!
Restaurantji Recommends
Ordered the fish and chips and the fish had no flavor. The batter was not cooked properly it was soggy and had no flavor. The salad was old and salad dressing looked like chocolate and did not taste like balsamic. My son had spaghetti with meat balls, what a disappointment. Was not freshly made, the pasta was stuck together and it tasted like it was microwaved. Sauce had no good flavor. The food is overpriced and not worth it.
We love the Old Fisherman's Grotto family of restos. Scales has a fresher vibe, better views and dog friendly. We always come here whenever we visit Monterey and we have never had a disappointing meal. Clam chowder soup, risotto, calamari, desserts. Everything is great!
We got off to a bad start when they didn't look at my service dog in her vest and said it would be a 20 min wait for the patio. I said "my service dog can go anywhere with me here", at which point the supervisor began questioning my service dogs training. She seated me shortly after telling me to calm down and relax. The drinks were fine and the seafood appetizers hit the spot.
I ordered the fish tacos, they got my order wrong and were not willing to fix it. I ate the fish and chips I received and it was incredibly greasy and bland - the fish was super dry and not tasty. Would not recommend this spot for the not great service and food.
Amazing food with wonderful presentation. The service was excellent as were the views. I appreciated that our server asked right away about my gluten allergy. I was able to safely enjoy my dish and sample my fiancé's as well.