Pompeii's Grotto is one of those family restaurants that were established back in the 1940's and count as one of the pillars of seafood eateries near the wharf. There is outdoor seating, but it was a bit chilly so we decided to eat inside. It was an odd hour of the day, and soup sounded like the perfect thing to do. They were offering a clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. We had some bread and butter as is customary almost everywhere which was good and warm. The soup, unfortunately, once again, had foreign objects swimming in it, like celery. Since when does clam chowder soup have celery in it? It tasted ok because it was hot and we wanted to warm up.The bread bowl was outstanding, so I saved the tops of both bowls for later noshing.
The sun shone through the window which was closed and warmed our faces. We had 2 elderly couples who had just finished their meal to the side of us, and were engaged in a heated debate on the means of calculating 20% of $60.00. When they left, they were replaced by two women who had built-in speakers in their larynxes. I will never understand why anyone in a restaurant would imagine that other diners are interested in your life.
After we paid the bill, we went outside, and noticed a crab bar. There were some bikers that had taken the outside seats and were having beers.
The menu is quite extensive and includes cold and hot appetizers, salads, pasta, lots of fish and shellfish entrees, meats and chicken dishes, and a kid's menu.