Fishmonger's Cafe

Let me start by saying that I give the Fishmonger 5 stars for being a perfect rendition of being exactly what it portends to be; or at least it did yesterday when we had lunch there!

It was a very hot and humid day in Woods Hole, but we were fortunately seated immediately in the corner table facing Great Harbor. We had windows on two sides and a wonderful sea breeze to go with the view.

The closest I can come to a negative was my Captain's and Coke, which was served in a 12 ounce water glass. Before our waitress even set it down I said "that won't do" and asked her to take it back and put it in an 18 ounce draft beer glass with more ice and soda (no more liquor) and she instantly complied.

The Fishmonger Cafe makes no pretense of being gourmet, although the food presentation had certain artistry and subtly of flavor. Three of us had fish tacos; which were local cod. My guest asked and received his grilled (not fried), on corm tortilla's (no flour) and a large side of beans (no rice). Our very pleasant server said -- "no problem."

I ordered them too, but I ordered mine "straight up" as the chef intended them. After lunch we agreed that the flour tortillas -- thin and toasty -- were superior, as were the large order of beans, which came in a small crock -- baked with a little cheese on top. The combination of cod, veggies, cilantro and aoili inside was perfect on the palette.

Our other guest ordered the roasted root vegetable salad special with grilled shrimp. It arrived with 3 crostini's topped with herbs and tapenade I believe. This was one of the prettiest salads I've ever seen.

Great food, great location, great views, sea breeze on a hot day,  fast and responsive service -- if that's not 5 stars, I'm not sure what is!

Bad experience and bad food. Would give no stars if possible. Service was semi okay. Coffee tasted like dirty mop water. Grilled sandwich tasted awful - thickly sliced meat with spinach and cranberry sauce all tasted like it was warmed up in the  microwave. Pro - clam chowder was good. Won't come back and wouldn't recommend.

Stopped in for an early dinner on Wednesday and my boyfriend and I were disappointed to say the least. I was expecting to pay more for dinner being in Woods Hole, with all of the individuals getting on and off the ferry to the Vineyard, however paying $56 for two entrees and a sprite was ridiculous (especially based on the food quality).

I had the fish and chips, but subbed whipped potatoes for the french fries.. two moderate sized pieces of fried cod (which, as a positive, was very light and obviously fresh) were placed on top of a liquefied pile of potatoes. I love whipped potatoes, but this was extreme! In addition, the breading on the cod is so bizarre... it is thick and I could literally pull it off in a couple of pieces. My boyfriend got the jumbo shrimp and this came with 5 and they again had the gross, thick breading.

Lastly, there was a family eating from the sandwiches menu (which isn't labeled with specific hours) the table over and we weren't even offered this menu.

We ate at MANY amazing places in Falmouth and I would never recommend this restaurant.