It truly saddens me to say this, but don't waste your time or money with the "new and improved" version of The Fish Market. We decided on the original Fish Market for dinner this evening and it was a thouroughly disappointing experience. We thought our order was simple enough: an oyster poor-boy, Greek Island Shrimp, and the Greek Style Appetizer for Two. Apparently, the word "appetizer" didn't register with the staff and the sampling of seafood we'd expected to enjoy before the meal arrived with the entrees, cold and congealed. After everything came, I immediately carried the gelatinous appetizer platter back for a refund while my wife picked the shrimp out of her dish. The usually good Greek Island Shrimp smothered a bed of stiff, undercooked white rice. I can say nothing bad about the poor boy except that it was cold after my time haggling with the cashier over the staff's mishandling of our appetizer. Judging from a fellow customer having similar difficulties with a botched take-out order, this trend appears common at The Fish Market. Prior trips to The Fish Market during the holidays were equally disappointing and it reasons that the staff is incapable of delivering the quality food and service that marked the old location. This was our third visit to the new Fish Market and our experience has been consistent: marginal service coupled with equally lackluster food. Needless to say, the third time's the charm and we won't bother again. Perhaps the restaurant would do well to return to its former creed : great seafood in a no-frills atmosphere. (March 2006)

My girlfriend and I recently moved from New Orleans, and needless to say have grown accustomed to good food. We have had some good meals in Birmingham so far, and were very pleased with the Fish Market. We started with the "sampler" appetizer for 2. This consisted of mussels, shrimp, and crab claws. There was a TON of food; we barely touched the entrees after finishing this. The crab claws were particularly good. I ended up getting the Athenian Snapper, which was cooked perfectly. My girlfriend got a shrimp over rice dish (Greek Island Shrimp?) which was also very good. The atmosphere was casual/interesting (nicer than "no frills"), and the patio was very pleasant. With a bottle of wine, this meal ended up being absurdly cheap for the quality of the food; I would have expected to pay nearly twice that for something similar. To top it off, my girlfriend left her purse there. We made it home before realizing it, but returned to find it in good hands.

I have always loved the Fish Market in Hoover (which I understand is managed by someone different), but the downtown location is a different world. Our entrees from there consistently arrive lukewarm, the fish is overcooked and overseasoned, and the side dishes are all way too salty. Vegetables are served limp and seemingly fresh from their cans. I have noticed this same decline in quality at each location that has been "upgraded", so if you want the real thing at a good price, go to Hoover.

I used to really enjoy this place. For the price, the seafood is still an excellent value. The dishes which I order on a regular basis: Tuna, swordfish, salmon, grouper, sea bass, and amberjack...the last few times--the qualtiy was noticeably worse in terms of the preparation of the fish. Also, my side items were not as good either. I hate eating there because standing in line and then hunting for a table is miserable. Last time I ate there, a stranger sat down at the table with my wife and I. This is purely a "to-go" restraunt for me.

In general, a good value. Usually pretty good, but I have been disappointed with the quality a few times.
Whats even better about the place, its the only non-Asian market that offers LIVE fish. You can never go wrong with buying a freshly killed tilapia or trout and having them prepare it or bringing it home to steam or bake it yourself. I also buy the excellent quality shrimp to cook at home with some butter and dill. The little guys are more annoying to prepare, but much cheaper and just as juicy and tasty.

The rice they serve is VERY greasy, even if you request, no butter, they still serve it with TONS of
artery-clogging grease!