It’s official, GVL. Mr. Crisp, the newest modern seafood restaurant concept — by the team behind the James Beard Foundation-nominated restaurant, The Anchorage — officially opened Wed., June 1 in Overbrook Village (1501 E. North Street, Ste. 102).

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We came, we saw, we ate and drank almost one of everything on the menu. | Post via @gvltoday

Once you make your reservation, here’s what not to miss:

The looks

Make sure you take a moment to peep to the artwork + design elements by local artists in Mr. Crisp's space, including the wire fish mural by Allison Brynn Ross, paintings by Laura Dargan, and tables by The Slab Guild. While the neon “Crispy” sign isn’t locally made, it’s essential for a photo opp.

The tastes

The menu boasts the classics like fish + chips, a raw bar, sandwiches, non-seafood items, and a variety of cocktails and drinks. Oh, and did we mention two different desserts? City Editors Kyle + Danielle got a taste (or 20) at Mr. Crisp’s soft opening. Here’s what we tried:
🍸 Drinks
We bypassed the extensive wine + beer lists for three different cocktails: the Lion’s Mane (great for all you bourbon + egg white cocktail lovers), the Tongue Twister (the perfect summer sipper), and a Zombie on Draft (not only does the glass it comes in make it worth it, but the way its prepared is even better.)

The Tongue Twister + Zombie on Draft | Photo by GVLtoday

🦪 Cold Plates
After perusing the raw bar options, like Oysters on the Half Shell, we went straight for the Steak Tartare + Yellowfin Tuna. Both were fresh and so beautifully presented, we almost didn’t want to mess them up. We cleaned our plates, and were glad we did.

The (yellowfin) tuna to our (steak) tartare | Photo by GVLtoday

🐟 Hot Plates
There was no question we were trying the Fish & Chips (with house cut chips, malt vinegar aioli, and mushy peas) and the Coastal Fish Sandwich, complete with roasted tomato and lemon horseradish remoulade, was a natural “must-have” as well.

The Coastal Fish Sandwich + the Lion’s Mane cocktail | Photo by GVLtoday

🧆 Sides
Once we got started, there was no hushing us up. We ordered the Hush Puppies with roasted chili + dulse honey butter and the Roasted Local Cauliflower, which added a balance of freshness to everything we ordered.
🥮 Dessert
You didn’t think we’d leave without dessert, did you? We all but inhaled the Sticky Maple Toffee Pudding, which was served warm with brown sugar vanilla ice cream. The Nanaimo Bar — the official dessert of British Columbia, and one that features chocolate, graham crackers, custard powder, and nuts — is the reason Danielle is going back tonight. Well –- that and a nightcap.

You'll dream of this Sticky Maple Toffee Pudding | Photo by GVLtoday

Mr. Crisp is open Wed.-Sat., 5-9:30 p.m. and Sun., 12-7 p.m.