Dooger’s is one of the most popular restaurants specializing in seafood and perhaps the best family dining experience in Seaside. It is ideally located on Broadway St, a short walk from the Seaside turnaround and the Promenade. The restaurant has a comfortable all-American casual ambience. The dining rooms are divided into two sections the walls are covered in brick; the bigger main dining room has high vaulted ceiling and lots of cherry wood giving a quasi-upscale not too staid atmosphere. The restaurant was made popular by its critically acclaimed, award winning clam chowder – indeed one of the best I’ve tasted with lots of chunky tender clams and potatoes.
The menu selection at Dooger’s was impressive with a wide array of seafood dishes to choose from. The menu also boasts filet mignon, rib eye steak, Dooger’s burgers, fettuccine Alfredo, as well as sandwiches and salads. Their meals were served in family size satisfying portion. For small eaters, a lighter serving was an option -- about 2/3 the size of a regular meal, but still full of the same flavor and richness the full meal offers.
For the ultimate in spiced up seafood dinner combination, order the appetizing Admiral’s Platter with crab legs, razor clams, salmon, scallops, prawns halibut and calamari Cajun style. Priced $19.95/$15.95 small portion. The Petrale Sole - lightly coated in a tasty bread mix then pan fried was deliciously palatable at just $13.95/$10.95. They also served filet mignon wrapped in bacon done to perfection -- medium rare was still a nice pink in the middle $17.95/$14.95. From the kid’s menu, chicken strips with fries and garlic toast was just $4.95 -- small in price, but not in flavor and serving size. They have homemade desserts and the Key Lime pie is mouth-wateringly delicious with just the right tartness for $3.50. For weight watchers, sugar-free desserts were also available. All dinners were served with green salad topped with shrimp, your choice of fries, rice or baked potato, and garlic toast. And different choice of dressing, fat-free also available on request.
The staff was very friendly; our server that day was very personable. Even though everyone was running her rugged the night we were there, she always kept a happy face. The restaurant has a very family-oriented, friendly atmosphere. There are no guns and whistles, but good food and good ambience, great place where the whole family can really enjoy a satisfying dinner in a non-smoking environment. Open daily at 11am for lunch and on to dinner.
If you like their chowder ask about their chowder kit to go. It includes a 51 oz can of clams, 5 oz of potatoes, and all the spices. Available for $12. All you do is add one quart of half and half, and one cup of heavy cream. Mail order is also available.