Downtown Ann Arbor's Real Seafood Company reopens after two-week renovation
The new exterior at Real Seafood Company in downtown Ann Arbor.
Lizzy Alfs | AnnArbor.com
The new bar area at Real Seafood Company has a "modern vibe," said Mainstreet Ventures' director of marketing Julie White.
Courtesy photo
Real Seafood owner Dennis Serras, a partner in Mainstreet Ventures, said the company is taking a phased renovation approach at the 7,200-square-foot restaurant, which hasn’t received a major remodel in about a decade. The renovation started last year when the restaurant’s bathrooms were completely replaced.
Recent changes include: increased seating in the bar area, the addition of high-top table seating, new flat-screen televisions and a new bar.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
PersonX
Fri, Jun 7, 2013 : 6:34 p.m.
Did they use the time to learn how to cook fish properly?
Lets Get Real
Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 12:35 p.m.
Oops - not sure what happened with my comment, but here's the scoop: This renovation sounds like a lot of fluff - paint and awnings and tables. More important would be to accommodate customers with better service and good food at an affordable price. Took my husband there for his birthday - the day after his birthday - and was told, "Oh, too bad. Our birthday special is only on the day of the birthday." Two glasses of wine, and the two least expensive entrees on the menu resulted in more than a $120 tab. Certainly wasn't budgeted for that! Of all the Main Street Ventures, this is my least favorite -but, they are all getting out of reach - except perhaps Carson's. It's really too bad. We don't eat downtown much anymore. Walk around, window shop, maybe have a glass of wine or a specialty beer, but can't afford to eat there. Anyone wonder why Sidetrack continues to expand? Could it be good food at affordable prices. When I can get a lovely salmon, asparagus and rice pilaf for $10.95, why would I go to downtown Ann Arbor and pay 10 times that amount. Downtown Ann Arbor, only for the rich elite. Sad
M-Wolverine
Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 4:32 p.m.
I sympathize with your point that the prices are out there, and it's not worth the mark up, but I'm not sure how dinner for two of the "Least expensive entrees" ended up as $120 tab when you can get The Whitefish for $22 and a glass of wine for $5. You must be one heck of a tipper. http://mainstreetventuresinc.com/realseafood/menus/realann_din.pdf
huh7891
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 11:47 p.m.
Hope they still have their delicious bread!
talker
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 9:56 p.m.
Would there be so much attention to the renovation if there wasn't the owner's connection with the DDA?
Jon Saalberg
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 9:36 p.m.
Did they do any renovating of the menu? And the TVs? Isn't this a, theoretically, finer dining establishment? TVs are one step down the slippery slope towards a sports bar, with blaring TVs competing with your dinner conversation. I will admit that my wife and I are not great fans of this place since when last we went there, the waiter, upon being informed it was my wife's birthday, replied, "Great, your my sixth birthday tonight." Needless to say, we have not been back for my wife's, or any other family member's, birthday.
Jon Saalberg
Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 3:29 a.m.
@Anthony Clark: No, we refuse to go back because the waiter was not even remotely appropriately helpful and friendly with our special occasion, AND demeaned my wife's birthday with his blasé comment. It was not important, in any way, that others celebrated their birthday the same day as my wife.
Anthony Clark
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 11:29 p.m.
You refuse to go back because other people were celebrating their birthday there on the same night as your wife?
Unknown
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 7:15 p.m.
Love that place, the staff and food! Greatness.
JustaThought
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 5:43 p.m.
Just speculating, but I suspect the biggest renovation customers will notice will be to prices on the menu... Still, it's been an AA favorite and classic for eons. Good that it's still here.
Bananagunz
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 4:56 p.m.
Looking forward to checking it out. When I first took my wife to RSC, she thought that there was no way Ann Arbor could have good seafood...she no longer feels that way.
Sarah
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 5:13 p.m.
After having eaten there, I still feel that way.
Murf
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 4:42 p.m.
Perfect timing for my birthday dinner and free creme brulee on Saturday!
Lizzy Alfs
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:21 p.m.
Wow, that worked out well @Murf! Enjoy.
mstairs
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 5:31 p.m.
No one cares
Dirty Mouth
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 4:39 p.m.
Finally. Some good news! Yeah!
Dexter girl
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 4:12 p.m.
Looks very nice but am I the only person that does not like to sit at high-top tables?
cmb
Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 1:27 a.m.
No, you're not. I don't like them. My legs always seem to fall asleep. :/
Carissa
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 5:56 p.m.
You are BY FAR not the only one! Can't stand those tables! Might as well try to climb up into a hayloft in your 6" heels and cocktail dress. Obnoxious.
seldon
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 5:21 p.m.
Can't stand them. Want my feet on the ground.
Lynn Liston
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 5:21 p.m.
Hate them and will walk out of a restaurant before I'll sit at one. You need a ladder to get to your seat and they are really uncomfortable. Are you listening, restaurant owners?
seekingsun
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 4:15 p.m.
H.A.T.E. high-top tables. The worst.
Billy
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 3:37 p.m.
Drove by them just a couple days ago and they were doing the marble facade on the front. Can't wait to come check out what all they've done inside too.
WalkingJoe
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 3:24 p.m.
Took the wife on our first date there. We've been married 33 years come August and we went together for a year before that. So they've been in business for over 34 years, they must be doing something right. Continued success for another 34 Real Seafood Company.