Back in my parents’ day, the Vista Del Mar was the hottest spot in town. They actually had dance bands in the relatively small space. We’re talking about the ’50s, now. The earliest memory I have is from about 10-15 years ago when it was painted garishly and went by the moniker, Go Fish. For about a year and a half they made the best fish & chips on the planet. Then suddenly they closed. Then they opened as The Barfly, which has to be the worst name for an eating/drinking establishment ever. Somewhere along the line the awful red paint went away and the building now looks like a restaurant again.
Since December, they’ve been holding comedy nights and serving food till late. They have no website, only a Facebook page. I hate when they do that. But they’re there, and answering the phone at 443-3770, and open from 1130 to 2am.. We checked them out on Friday and found a clean and welcoming space with the affable owner, Kito Vorobik, handling the front of the house by himself with one other person in the kitchen. There was only one occupied table when we arrived but by the time we finished the place was almost full. Seemed like a nice crowd and I’m sure their happy hour (4pm to 6pm M-F, dollar off) is well-attended.
The food is good, no question. I had the clam chowder. It took a little while, and when I inquired I was told that they were making it to order. They were! The clam chowder ($6) is a nice bowl with croutons and two pieces of freshly baked bread! It was excellent and definitely worth returning for. We both had the fish & chips ($14), which were also excellent. Four or five pieces of cod with a nice light batter, reheated well later. I’m not big on chips/fries but my friend liked them fine. Other menu items include: wings $6, potato skins $7, fish tacos $5 and a Cubano for $12. If you haven’t had a Cuban sandwich, it involves ham, roast pork, pickles and a sandwich press. In Florida it’s the standard grab-and-go supermarket lunch and I will definitely be trying the Vista’s.
Go check out the Vista- a noble piece of Humboldt history. Good food and you no longer have to shade your eyes as you approach. Good place to drop in after Arts Alive! You know where it is.
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Sounds deelish!
Yes. Vita Cucina is open Mon-Fri only. It is on 101 at Front Street. They also have a Bahn Mi sandwich.
Joy’s Diner was on Wabash at B Street in the mid 80s.
Thank you!
After a sandwich at Vita Cucina, head to Brookings for dessert at Dee-Ann’s Tea Room Cafe. The specialty is pies. You will not believe the collection of tea pots on display. Turn right on Oak St from 101, then right again at The Abbey.
Sounds really good! I wonder if the Palm Cafe in Orick still makes pies? When I worked at Redwoods United they used to donate pies and they were fabulous!
They do.
I like Cuban sandwiches too, but are hard to find. The only other place is Vita Cucina in Crescent City. (Movie note: The film “Chef” features this sandwich.)
Good to know that the old V.D. is back. Now will someone bring back Wetherby’s, Lazio’s, Eureka Seafood Grotto, Joy’s Diner, Bay City Grill, O.H.’s Townhouse, Art’s Gallery, The Rib Room, and Roy’s Club?
Is Cucina serving food now? I haven’t been up there in ages. Where was Joy’s Diner?