Ever since the “upscale casual” Coastal Grille opened up in Wyomissing — a stone’s throw from Barnes & Noble Bookstore — the place has been hopping. Who knew so many Berks Countians yearn for seafood? But this restaurant is more than a “seafood eatery.” A recent visit proves that just as many folks head here for a hearty plate of heavenly baby back ribs — others for a tall beer with unforgettably yummy sliders.
First, the Surf
Whatever your seafood pleasure, Coastal Grille offers a truly broad array of equally well prepared, superbly seasoned dishes — some surprising. For instance, CG’s lobster rolls — an item more commonly featured at an ocean resort — have been a big draw. According to Eric Freitag, General Manager, “Everyone’s glad we offer these! They’re a very popular item, at lunchtime especially,” he says. The dish even comes in a New England-style roll, featuring succulent lobster chunks with mayo, onion and celery, plus shoestring French fries or house-made chips and a pile of Carolina cole slaw on the side.
The tangy cole slaw, by the way, is a top notch side for most entrees. Creamy but not too wet, it’s extra savory, even refreshing, thanks to a smattering of shredded carrots and the array of spices you always find in Southern-style slaw.
An appetizer to jump on right away is Off the Hook Shrimp, with juicy, bite-sized, light-fried shrimp that just love being dipped in any one of three sauces from which you can choose. The Sweet and Spicy Island Sauce lends a sugary-chili feel to the experience, and underneath the shrimp are lettuce shavings that add a crunch while taming the burn. Try this appetizer with a Coastal Bay Breeze, a signature drink made with pineapple-infused coconut vodka, plus splashes of both pineapple and cranberry juices. So refreshing, it’ll send your mind off to a decadent vacation island, the kind of place where your main goal is to sip on fruity drinks underneath palm trees. And it’s a perfect counterbalance to the zippy shrimp.
Another surprise and delight on the appetizer menu is Edamame, those salty, lightly buttered little soybeans nestled inside the pods — something you usually see only in Japanese restaurants.
The Lump Crab and Corn Chowder does not disappoint. It’s charmingly thick, creamy and richly satisfying, just a hint of bacon and ample crab pieces to scoop up.
A Delicious Bass…
All around you will be diverse seafood entrees at every table that are so enticing, you can barely begin to choose. They seem to reflect the owners’ devotion to making everyone’s favorite shore delicacy. There’s a Baked Boston Haddock, where the luscious white meat of the fish is encrusted in panko crumbs and then enveloped with a shrimp-and-crab garlic cream sauce. Also on the menu: Pan-Seared Scallops, Flash-Fried Calamari, King Crab and Jambalaya Pasta (shrimp, chicken and Andouille sausage atop linguini).
The Chilean Sea Bass is superb. Although there are quite a few preparation choices a diner can make, the simply prepared House-Grilled version of this delicate fish ensures a full-flavored, soft-textured experience. The chef’s attention to detail yields a bass filet that’s plentiful, moist, flaky and edged with touches of black-charred flavors. Although rich in the type of fatty acids that are best for health (Omega 3 and Omega 6), this fish is pure white and light — so you’re getting the best of nutritious and delicious.
This dish is best complemented by steamed broccoli and Island Rice, or perhaps a Whole-Leaf Caesar Salad.
Ribs, Filet, and More
Coastal Grille isn’t kidding when they say their Slow-Roasted Baby Back Ribs “fall off the bone.” Choose from a full- or half-rack and discover a brand-new favorite place to order ribs. At once spicy and sweet, the kicked-up barbecue sauce delivers just enough flavor to enhance the fresh meat as it melts in your mouth. Yes, it literally falls off the bones. Literally.
Spuds are a natural side when it comes to ribs. Try the Yukon Gold Potatoes au Gratin, a seriously cheesy side dish.
Steak lovers will appreciate that hand-cut aged beef is used for Filet Mignon, with the chef’s masterful attention to please your palate. Other landlubber options include a Key West Grilled Chicken and a House-Made Veggie Burger, soy-glazed.
Speaking of glaze…Coastal Grille’s Roadside Sliders may well be the best little burgers in Berks. Lovely to look at, three chuck patties are served with the bun open so that “frizzled” onions — thin, fried, mini onion rings — can lounge on the top half. The meat is coated with melted Vermont cheese, then topped with pickles and a creamy Dijon-style house sauce. These ingredients merge to fairly explode with flavor.
Ready for dessert? It’s a no-brainer: Order the Chocolate Bag — and get ready to take a selfie!
by Marian Frances Wolbers | photos by HEIDI REUTER
