The Whale's Rib (Deerfield Beach, Florida) | Influencer Restaurant Review by Guy Fieri

AI-Generated Summary: Guy Fieri’s The Whale’s Rib Restaurant Review Video

In this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy Fieri stops by The Whale’s Rib, a beloved seafood joint just 100 yards from the beach, operating for nearly 30 years. It’s known for its fresh seafood, repeat customers, and a dedicated staff. Owner Dale Stevenson opened the place with a focus on dishes like clam chowder, stone crabs, and oysters, while kitchen manager John Keener has been serving up fresh, top-quality seafood since 1993.

Guy was blown away by The Whale’s Rib’s commitment to freshness and quality. The Oysters Rockefeller were a revelation with their tomato twist, and the fried dolphin sandwich was one of the best he’d ever had. The restaurant’s friendly, local vibe kept customers coming back for decades, and Guy left impressed by their consistency and creativity.

Featured Dishes:

Oysters Rockefeller (The Whale’s Rib Style):
- Preparation:
  - Gulf of Mexico oysters are topped with a unique spinach mix, made with steamed fresh spinach, diced onions, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and white wine.
  - A slice of tomato and Provolone cheese are added on top, along with more Parmesan, before the dish is baked until bubbly and golden.
- Guy’s Take:
  - He found the tomato addition unusual but surprisingly good, adding a nice acidity. The dish was rich with spinach flavor and the burnt cheese around the edges sealed the deal. Guy loved how well-balanced it was, not just about any one element but the combination of oyster, spinach, and tomato.
Calamari Salad with “Whale Juice”:
- Calamari Preparation:
  - Marinated calamari is served with a house dressing called “Whale Juice,” a blend of mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, black pepper, and vinegar.
- Guy’s Take:
  - The Whale Juice enhanced the salad’s flavors, with Guy especially enjoying how the tangy dressing brought out the sweetness of the calamari.
Fried Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Key West Sandwich:
- Fish Prep:
  - Fresh mahi mahi (also called dolphin fish, not to be confused with the mammal) is cut into 7-ounce portions, then dipped in a beer batter made with Miller Lite, soda water, and seasoned flour. It’s deep-fried to a crispy, golden perfection.
- Sandwich Construction:
  - The fried fish is served on a sandwich with Swiss cheese and purple coleslaw, which adds a warm, creamy texture when combined with the hot fish.
- Guy’s Take:
  - He raved about the fish’s light, flaky texture and the perfect crunch from the beer batter. The coleslaw provided a unique contrast with its warmth and creaminess, making it a standout sandwich in Guy’s eyes.

Other Highlights:

Stone Crabs:
- Freshly caught and served in season, a local delicacy Guy got to enjoy.
Clam Chowder:
- A customer favorite, made the same way for decades and praised as the best clam chowder some have ever had.

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The Whale’s Rib is a beloved seafood restaurant located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, known for its fresh seafood and casual, beachy atmosphere. The Whale’s Rib has been a South Florida institution since 1981, offering a wide variety of seafood dishes with an emphasis on freshness and quality. The restaurant specializes in raw bar offerings, including oysters, clams, and other shellfish. Popular menu items include fresh Mahi-Mahi, live Maine lobster, Florida stone crabs (seasonal), and their famous “Whale Fries” – freshly cut potato chips served with homemade honey mustard sauce called “Whale Juice”.

Address

2031 NE 2nd St, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Customer Feedback

Patrons of the Whale’s Rib frequently praise the quality and freshness of the seafood, with many highlighting the Mahi-Mahi and rock shrimp as standout dishes. The casual, laid-back atmosphere is often mentioned as a positive aspect of the dining experience. Many customers appreciate the generous portion sizes and the unique offerings like the “Whale Fries”. The restaurant’s longevity and status as a local institution are often cited as reasons for its enduring popularity. While some reviews mention occasional issues with wait times during peak hours, most agree that the food quality makes the experience worthwhile. Overall, The Whale’s Rib is widely regarded as a must-visit spot for seafood lovers in the Deerfield Beach area.