Blue Fin's Bistro

10/29/2008 Posted by sashavilios

Horrible experience. Took some clients here for a nice late afternoon meal. We were seated immediately, and waited on by the bartender (manager? please read on.) She greeted us a bit informally, but not rudely. Our drinks took almost ten minutes to arrive, which was noticeably sad because we were one of two tables in the place. Even worse we were privvy to the reason why our drinks were so long in the making. The bartender and a chef were arguing, and then "made up" rather affectionately. The food came out quickly, but was BAD!!! Felt like I was in a TGI fridays more than a bistro. (Actually would have preferred TGIF over this place. You know its going to be loud at Fridays, and at least the prices are reasonable.) Our "fresh" tuna was partially frozen in the middle. The salad had wilted greens, or shall I say browns YUCK!!! The seafood breading was maybe a notch better than something you could buy at the grocery store next door. The floor was peeling up in over 50% of the place. Many spots along the walls had scuff marks. I dare not mention the odors present in the bathroom. When I asked to speak to a manager, a young lady told me that she was the owner, although she looked to be more like the bartender. (I work in real estate... the tax docs on the place say the owner is a man named Berent.) If she was lying, that might actually be a plus since it would indicate that the problems here are acute and not systemic. This is not a bistro. There are no white table cloths. The waitstaff is not knowledgeable. The food is not fresh local fare. (I saw the foodservice truck outside.) Its a pub at best. And not a real good one at that. If you want to spend 89.00 for 3 very poor lunches and three very slow cocktails, suit yourself.

Pros: None. (I feel bad for saying it, but its true)

Cons: Food, service

08/27/2008 Posted by atybgrill

My husband and I tried this place hoping to find a good seafood spot. We were beyond disappointed. I ordered a dish with shrimp, scallops, and lump crabmeat and it was so terrible that I only ate a couple of bites. I have never left crabmeat on my plate, but the sauce they poured over it was so bad I couldn't finish even half of it. My husband tried to eat his since we were paying $50 for the dinner, but his was poorly cooked and had a terrible taste to it. The only thing we liked from our entire meal was the ranch dressing that came with our salads. Definitely not worth the $50. The only recommendation I have for this restaurant is to stay far far away! Don't waste your date night like we did.

Pros: Nicely decorated

Cons: Terrible, terrible, terrible food.

08/04/2008 Posted by raleighm

The Blue Fin has become my second kitchen...or rather, second dining room. The service I've experienced has been second to none, and the kitchen is always willing to make adjustments or do what they can to make sure you get exactly what you want, so the food is stellar. Some of my favorites: Parmesan encrusted Tilapia (I get it w/o the crab stuffing), crab dip with pita points, southwest egg rolls, mushroom ravioli in madiera cream redution, garlic mashed potatos, regular house salad (their blue cheese is to die for!) The owners are personable and very hands-on - you know you are being taken care of. David and Jenni are the consummate host and hostess - and Jenni makes a mean drink, served with rapier wit. Roland knows how to satisfy your tummy - he's awesome. Heather, Liz, Karen, 'Delicious,' Tom...they are all wonderful and will take good care of you. If you find yourself in Wake Forest and in need of a great dinner in a fantastic, relaxed atmosphere, Blue Fin's Bistro is your place.

Pros: consistently great food, friendly attentive service

Cons: not really geared for very large groups (10+)

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08/04/2008 Posted by trixie2

I have been going to the Blue Fin for months at least once a week. I can't say enough good things about this place but I will try to break ti down into categories for ease of reading. Service: The service is amazing, some of the best I've ever had. The staff is always smiling and they go out of their way to take care of you. Jenny, Heather, and Liz are incredible. These ladies know how to take care of you. Dave and Roland: they can cook my food anytime. Its flavorful and they will adjust your meal to fit your needs. Drinks: Jenny and Heather are the type of bartenders you look for in a neighborhood bar, they are super friendly. They have a good selection of drinks and I would suggest taking advantage of their $5.00 martini night on Sunday. The Green Goose and Pineapple Upside are my favs! Food: If Dave or Roland are cooking (which they always have been when I am there) you are golden. Not sure about the other reviews here but then again I also don't eat red meat. My friend has had their sirloin and it has been wonderful. Their garlic mashed potatoes, spinach, and squash/zuchini mix are the best sides. The tiliapia and seafood alfredo is delicous as well. By far my favorite dish they have (only on special) is their mushroom ravoli....oh my goodness! This meal is amazing. We always get it with scallops and shrimp added to it and its to die for. The cream sauce is full of flavor and has a slight sweetness to it. For appetizers try their crab dip, shrimp cocktail, or southwestern egg rolls. Atmosphere: This place is exactly what Wake Forest needed, especially by Heritage. It definitely has that "Cheers" feel to it because the regulars are always in their catching up with one another. Its nicely decorated, making it warm and cozy. Great for a full meal or if you just want a few drinks. The Blue Fin is a must try if you haven't been. Just ask for Jenny, Heather or Liz and they will take care of you!

Pros: Customer service, drinks, food

Cons: Alittle pricey but worth it

05/26/2008 Posted by vin1024

My wife and I have actually eaten here at least a dozen times due to its proximity to our neighborhood. When we go out to eat, we are not that price conscious -- we are just after a quality experience. What we have noticed about Blue Fin is that their food quality and customer service experience is highly variable. In the past, it has ranged from average to above average depending on the items ordered and time of day. This last Sunday -- 5/25/2008, I ordered the ribs -- which were terrible. Definitely a disappointment compared to the great ribs found elsewhere in NC. Very subpar meat quality as well as preparation. After eating one or two ribs and deciding it was inedible, we told the waitress. My wife was done eating, so we went ahead and asked for the check. The waitress did not offer a refund for the inedible ribs. When we asked, after a significant wait, she said she could not get a hold of the owner and entered a 25% discount on the order. We were running out of time and just took care of the bill and left. If I remember I will call AMEX and charge back the amount at the end of my billing cycle. We are glad, that as Wake Forest grows, there are more choices for dining.

Pros: Location

Cons: Service, Food

04/08/2008 Posted by obama08

The bad stuff out fo the way first: This place is very expensive for the caliber food they serve. It's not bad at all, but steaks, pasta, and ribs are NOT their specialty. Each time it was poorly seasoned and poorly cooked. Stick to the seafood. My Girfrend and I managed to run up an $80 bill between just the two of us, now that is pricey. However, the service was excellent and I really like the warm, cozy atmosphere. They have some pretty decent specials too. Now I know what a peck of oysters is. A decent once in a while place, that's about all I can afford.

03/16/2008 Posted by kerredwen

The seafood omelet was excellent, my husband loves the bacon cheeseburger which he has had twice there! The only problem we had was that the prices on the menu did not match the bill. When we brought this to the attention of the waitress, we expected an apology and a correction. Instead she just kept repeating "well that is what the computer said". When my husband ordered his burger she said it came with a side, and when he asked what sides were available, she told him and he chose onion rings. On the bill she charged him extra for onion rings. When we asked about this she said- well it says that on the menu so he should have known. The food was great and up until the bill, the service was great. I would reccomend this place but just make sure that your bill is added up right!

01/14/2008 Posted by chefbmore

I am a Chef vacationing from Baltimore and was looking for a nice enjoyable seafood restaurant. A friend of mines introduce me to Blue Fin's. When I first arrived I ate at several other seafood restaurants and was not impressed until I came upon Blue Fin's. The seafood is fresh the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Then I came to the Sunday Brunch and was overwhelm after eating at Courtney's Restaurant and now eating at Blue Fin's there was no comparison. The prices and reasonable, the portions are plentiful, and they even have a kids menu. I was impressed with the Seafood Omelet, French Toast ( You don"t even need syrup), Steak and eggs and their Homemade Biscuits are to die for. Also don't let me forget the Home fries. Now I see when they say there is nothing better then Southern Cooking and Hospitality. Well you can receive this from Blue Fins. I would have love to relocate and cook for this wonderful restaurant. I will be back.

Pros: Food, wait staff, prices, and ambience

Cons: Big portions a little to much for one person

12/29/2007 Posted by le2cids

Too pricey for average food... could get better steaks at a chain restaurant. Totally disappointed.

11/17/2007 Posted by arsbadmojo

We're new to the area, and were just driving around looking for something new to try. The only rule we had was no chains. We found this little place in a plaza. Just a note for anyone trying to find this place with a Garmin GPS - it will take you past it, and say you've arrived in the middle of the raod a quarter mile after you've passed it. I think my dish was called the Neptune, but I may be wrong. Scalllops, shrimp and crab meat in a white wine sauce. The scallops were very tender, the shrimp perfectly cooked. The crab meat wasn't great by itself, almost more like a stuffing for the shrimp and scallops. It all worked together well, and the sauce was nice. My wife got the shrimp and grits ravioli, which was very good; not overcooked and in a pleasant tomato sauce. The shrimp taste was subtle, but the grits were actually quite nice as a filling. Warm wheat rolls, and above average side salads. My side dish of red potatoes were well done and nicely seasoned.

Pros: Well cooked seafood

Cons: None