Anthony's Fish Grotto

ANTHONY'S EXPANDS OUTDOOR DINING AMID TROPICAL MOTIF

By Miriam Raftery

July 17, 2020 (La Mesa) -- Just a few weeks ago, Anthony's Fish Grotto had announced its intent to close permanently due to the COVID-19 shutdown's devastating impact on restaurants. Then an outpouring of support from customers persuaded owner Craig Ghio to keep the doors open until dine-in resumed.  The state reopened dine-in only briefly. Now, with only outdoor dining allowed, Anthony's has substantially expanded its socially-distanced seating alongside a private lake, provided probably the most delightful outdoor dining experience in East County.

Tropical music added ambience when I visited this week, sipping a signature Tropical Cruise with rum, pineapple juice and peach Schnapps.  Homemade clam chowder in a sourdough breadbowl provided a hearty and affordable meal. My dining companion, an ECM reporter, chose a  healthy salad topped with fresh fruits; you can opt to top it off with shrimp, salmon, or chicken. The menu also includes an array of fresh seafoods, sandwiches and more.

Lush landscaping and fountains with the sound of running water, creating an illusion evocative of beaches in some far-away enclave.


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STATE SETS GUIDELINES FOR RESTAURANTS TO REOPEN, ALLOWS DINE-IN SERVICE TO RESUME IN SOME COUNTIES WITH LOW RATES OF COVID-19

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Anthony's Fish Grotto in La Mesa has reversed plans to close down, rehiring some employees after an outpouring of public support.  Owner Craig Ghio has expanded the take-out menu and hopes to survive--with social distancing--once the lakefront restaurant  with seafood market is allowed to reopen for dine-in customers.

May 13, 2020 (San Diego) – Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday released guidelines for restaurants in areas with low rates of COVID-19 to reopen their dining rooms, with changes to protect diners and staff.

But bars, brew pubs, wineries and craft distilleries must remain closed, unless they offer sit-down meals with any alcohol served.

Once the state allows a region’s restaurants to reopen, the County must also grant approval. Each restaurant must submit a COVID-19 prevention plan that includes requirements for cleaning and disinfecting, keeping six feet between tables, using disposable menus and partitionsa at cash registers and host stands. Windows and doors to outside should be kept open and patio seating can be expanded.


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END OF AN ERA: ANTHONY’S FISH GROTTO ON EMBARCADERO OFFERS DRAWINGS AND SPECIALS IN FINAL 2 WEEKS; LA MESA ANTHONY’S TO REMAIN OPEN

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 17, 2017 (La Mesa) – Anthony’s Fish Grotto on the Embarcadero has been a fixture on San Diego’s waterfront for 70 years.  For many San Diego County residents, it’s long been a go-to place for special occasions from prom nights to wedding anniversaries.


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LA MESA CHAMBER TO HOST TASTE OF LA MESA

 

May 30, 2015 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host its 7th annual Taste of La Mesa from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, June 8, at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr., La Mesa. Presenting sponsor is Sycuan Casino. The event will feature networking and food sampling from local restaurants and food providers. In addition, local businesses will be on hand with exhibit tables. Parking is free and shuttle service will be available.


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BEST HAPPY HOURS IN EAST COUNTY

 

 

Part IV in a series

By the East County Eaters

Week 4:  Downtown Café (El Cajon) and Anthony’s Seafood Grotto (La Mesa)

October 16, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) –In our fourth week of savoring great happy hours across our region, we stopped in at two establishments with deep roots in the community: Downtown Café, located in a historic brick that dates back to El  Cajon’s pioneer past, and Anthony’s Fish Grotto, a landmark restaurant serving up fresh seafood in La Mesa since 1946.


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LA MESA CHAMBER TO HOST BUSINESS MIXER JULY 16 AT ANTHONY'S FISH GROTTO

 

June 20, 2014 (La Mesa)--On Thursday, July 16, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to an evening mixer at Anthony’s Fish Grotto, 9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa from 5:30-7 p.m.. This popular location has been a favorite of locals for years, so guests can sample the food that has made them famous.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: IT'S A DOG'S LIFE

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

October 14, 2011 (La Mesa) -- Editor Miriam Raftery snapped this pic of a pampered pooch and owner enjoying some lakeside dining at Anthony's Fish Grotto in La Mesa. Dogs are welcome daily on an outdoor patio overlooking a duck pond. 


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