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Name: Goin’ Coastal
Address: 1021 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30306
Telephone: (404) 941-9117
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.08

Goin’ Coastal

1021 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30306

(404) 941-9117
Store is closed

Goin’ Coastal Menu

Appetizers

Oysters

Shrimp

Pickles

Dip

Seared Yellowfin Tuna

Baked Oysters

Crab Stuffed
Soup And Salad

Clam Chowder

Salmon

Fried Caesar Salad
Fin Fish Preperations

Coastal

Miso

Parmesan

Baked
Shellfish Specialties

Grits

Scampi

Scallops

Mac

Low Country Shrimp Boil
Sides

Whipped Potatoes

Collard Greens

Vegetable Of The Day

Jalapeno Corn Bread Pudding

Vegetable Medley

Shoe-string French Fries

Healthy Meal suggestions for Goin’ Coastal

Appetizers

Oysters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pickles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seared Yellowfin Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked Oysters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crab Stuffed [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soup And Salad

Clam Chowder [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Fin Fish Preperations

Coastal [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Miso [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Parmesan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Shellfish Specialties

Grits [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Scampi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mac [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Low Country Shrimp Boil [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Whipped Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Collard Greens [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetable Of The Day [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jalapeno Corn Bread Pudding [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetable Medley [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shoe-string French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Jonathan L.

Great service, food was decent and priced well. The only thing that geta a little annoying is the lack of street parkimg in the area. Not really their fault but still can be a nuisance.
(4)
Gwenn A.

One of the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta . From the moment we sat down the service was impeccable. Our glasses were always full , the food was always hot and the attention to every detail was outstanding. The food was devine, very fresh and on the mark with the fish and sauce pairings. We will defineatly be back again next month and the month after that and that....be sure to make reservations, this place fills up quickly!
(4)
Brittany D.

Some of the best seafood I've ever tried in an excellent atmosphere. The service was warm and friendly, and the waitresses recommendations were wonderful. I ordered the vegetable couscous, and it was marvelous. Of the other plates I sampled, the mahi mahi was my favorite. Portions sizes were generous, but there were no leftovers! ;)
(5)
chris m.

great stuff. the chalkboard had fresh catches that can be prepared three ways cornbread and butter was great. i chose blackened with mahi mahi. interesting plate. nicely done. jalapeno cream sauce was a bit to burrrr blanc for me - not enough heat but I was loving it all the same. apps included foi gras with pickles. freaking awesome. the crab dip was crabby more than cheesy - also excellent. staff said its super popular bri had lobster Mac and cheese which was great with fontina. super rich. had a Caesar which was nothing special. two tiny anchovies. I had 6 of the sea wing oysters raw - great presentation and these oysters were great - crazy fat, not salty at all, slightly liquidy wait staff said they were from the gulf? warm water oysters? whaaaaattttt?
(5)
Brandon H.

This is the second time at Goin Costal and the results were the same. Just great! First time with family this time just my wife and I. We sat at the bar, had great service, had great food, had a great time. That's about the best thing I can say about a restaurant. It was great.
(5)
Ludy V.

They would have gotten 5 stars if they had not run out of $5 a dozen oysters... We just didn't know... You can reserve a table and your oysters... So we ate from the regular menu which we were planning to do anyway, but when your mouth is ready for oysters and they run out - it's a big waaah! The fried shrimps are perfectly done- super fresh, tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside- not too heavily battered. I wish they had tartar sauce - cocktail sauce was fine but the only other choice is a remoulade that does not work with my slight allergy to raw garlic...
(3)
Sandra F.

Fresh seafood at it's finest. This is located in the Virginia Highland area. My only con is the the parking. Very small. We dined in on a Saturday and only had to wait 30 minutes. The hostess checked in on us to see if we were okay and would let us know when our table would be ready. Once we were seated, the server waited on us right away. I got the Bourbon Salmon which was seasoned and marinated. So delicious. I got a side of mashed potatoes which was whipped and very creamy. The red wine was also complimented well with the fish. Unfortuntately we did not get dessert, but I know that I will be returning. Restaurant and restroom clean. Great atmosphere and overall awesome experience.
(5)
Agata R.

Yum yum yummy seafood, among the freshest in the city and expertly prepared. I really like their wine selections as well. It's pricey, but if that's what it takes to support sustainable seafood, I'm willing to shell out. My husband and I feel very lucky that this is a neighborhood joint for us.
(4)
Matthew W.

I give 3 starts because the service was awesome, but the food was mediocre. Three meals and 2 drinks cost us $115 after tip, and that was disappointing. I in no way feel that the food lived up to that value. My Redfish was over cooked. I had mine blackened, and it was weak; any day of the week I can make better blackened fish at home. On the blackened plate the fish is served unceremoniously on a bed of cheese grits. Want something green? That's extra. I also got to taste the fried catfish and hush puppies. The catfish was also bland, it needed salt and a heavier hand with the seasonings. The tarter-like sauce that it came with was tangy and bright, definitely where the seasoning was, but if you weren't apt to eat the sauce, the flavor was left on the side. Asparagus was the veg of the day, it's out of season this time of year, but nonetheless it was tender and prepared well. The other meal we had was swordfish served in their miso style. I didn't taste it but the responses to "how is it?" was a shoulder shrug and "ok". The potential is there to make one feel like the experience was worth the money, but the food needs to improve a little more at these prices.
(3)
Abbie B.

Total waste of time. Very disappointed that nowhere on their website nor on the reviews does it say you need a reservation. My friends and I came from Fort Lauderdale Florida and were visiting Georgia and came to this restaurant that we saw had great reviews, we were rudely turned around after being told that they had no room or no seating and we're not taking reservations until 8:45 PM. It is understandable that maybe we need a reservation but the rude way in which it was told by the hostesses who were having a conversation amongst themselves and not even paying attention to the front door was unacceptable.
(1)
Shaye B.

I have only been here a few times for brunch so I am not sure what their dinner options are. I think the brunch menu is a bit too limited, it is nearly impossible to bring someone who doesn't eat seafood here. Albeit it is called "Goin' Coastal" I think restaurants - especially brunch places - should offer a more rounded menu..too many people have weird diet restrictions now a days. Each time I come here, I order the same bloody mary - the with a big prawn garnish - and it tastes drastically different each time, which is kind of a bummer because it was the best the first time I ordered it! The location is great and its worth coming too if you don't have a brunch reservation anywhere else, but I don't think this brunch place is anything to rave about. Since I do love seafood I think if I make it here for dinner one night my opinion on the place would change because I really like the atmosphere of a smaller restaurant.
(3)
Nedra W.

In a search of places to eat this past Sunday stumbled across this gem in my list of restaurants to try out. Yes, I did say list(I'm a foodie) lol. My party ended up eating at the bar instead of waiting for a table. We were hungry so we didn't want to wait on a table. I tried the Shrimp and Grits and it was amaze balls. Everyone in my party was pleased and we will definitely be going back. Joey was our server/bartender and he was great. I can't wait to go back. My cousin was pleased with her cocktails.
(5)
Bill D.

Among the best Fried Shrimp ( one of my truly guilty pleasures) in town. Always enjoy this tiny yet lively spot. Bar dining is right up there amongst he best for me as well.
(5)
Matt B.

A tad pricey and the parking is terrible, but this is one of the best seafood joints in Atlanta. Their portions are a little small (I joked that my blackened swordfish was more of a daggerfish) but they're delicious. I tried the flounder as well and it was just as good. Like many have already written, if you get there late, you can forget about them having any oysters in stock, but the fish is well worth the trip.
(4)
Mary W.

Great food and great service. Lobster mac n cheese was full of lobster. Seafood risotto was excellent and the seafood bowl was really yummy. Only minor negative was that the shrimp were overcooked. Favorite part of meal was the crab dip appetizer. Well worth the annoying lack of parking in Virginia Highlands.
(4)
Krista H.

My friends and I made a reservation for Goin' Coastal since they were advertising their $5 dozen oysters on Wednesday night. We had the reservation for 7:15pm. They sold out of their oysters by 7:30pm. One of our guests was running late due to horrible parking in the Va-Hi and he missed out. I think it is a scam. Also, it takes 15 minutes to get drink orders. I rarely give bad reviews but this was very disappointing. Don't advertise oyster night and only have a few dozen to offer your customers. You know they are coming in for the oysters for that evening so order properly. I hope this changes.
(2)
Kelsey M.

Great wait staff....came during restaurant got a good sampling not much otions for kids....but the food was tasty definitely will come again next time im in the Atlanta......
(5)
Matthew V.

Stop by for brunch after church.. Today was my 1st time here. Food was really good. Fresh, hot, and came out really fast. It wasn't crowded at all. I really enjoyed it and will be going back soon.
(5)
Alex C.

Great food. But definitely price. You get what you pay for here, and that's not a bad thing. I won't be coming here too often due to the price point, but it will be an occasional seafood treat when I'm in need for some food seafood.
(4)
Rob L.

First, it would behoove you to make reservations on Friday and Saturday nights. Second, MAKE RESERVATIONS. Now, the service was great. Our waitress was not pushy or overbearing and made some good suggestions. The food was excellent (I had a seafood risotto) & the libations just right. I'll be back!!
(4)
David H.

We decided to do Going Coastal for Sunday brunch with the grandparents. It was surprisingly quiet for that time, giving us plenty of room in the restaurant. The menu is relatively small, so there isn't a huge amount of items to look at. It's divided into a few sections: brunch, booze, sandwiches/salads, benedicts and entrees. Almost everything is fried, but if you ask, they will grill it. I had the special-- cod with veggies. The fish was well cooked and seasoned, still extremely moist. While the breakfast potatoes were delicious, they were far from the mixed veggie selection I was anticipating. Prosciutto wrapped asparagus topped the meal off. All in all, a little unhealthier than expected at a seafood restaurant, but delicious. Don't forget to visit the gelato store in the area!
(4)
Cartha P.

The Food was AWSOME!!! We had the Seafood Platter and Blue Crab Dip!! Great will be going back!!!
(5)
Jennifer P.

This is a cute seafood spot for a date night or with a small group of friends. Crablegs are fresh and tasty. Their Lobster Mac and cheese is really good too. I love the location as well since you can walk around Virginia Highland after your dinner. You can also enjoy some Paolo's Italian Gelato & ice cream right next door.
(4)
Leanne E.

What a meal! We chose The Dip as our appetizer. It was creamy delicious and we left no morsels in the dish. I ordered a whole Maine Lobster- delicious! I've never met a crustacean that I did not love. My sweetie chose the salmon which he enjoyed. All in all, a good meal, attentive staff, and great atmosphere. I will definitely return!
(4)
Joe S.

In from Colorado and came here last night with a group of friends - and had a great evening with some wonderful food! Setting was great- cozy space with a good crowd, and we were seated right away. Cornbread and drinks were on the table before we knew it and our server was on top of it all night. I got the "skinny" tuna (which was excellent) and the rest of the table enjoyed theirs as well. Two of our dishes did come out cold so the server and manager took them right back and reserved them hot - and then brought out a few complimentary deserts as a nice gesture. Classy and great customer service - we will be back, and want to try the golf cart pickup next time!
(5)
Dustin T.

Just to update this... Last time I dined here I once again had the mussels and this time found them to be very typical to the size I'm accustomed to receiving at other establishments. Also, the guy sitting next to me this time had a filet mignon (which is served Oscar style - a.k.a. w/ lump crab on top) prepared a perfect medium rare... which looked absolutely fantastic!
(4)
Lynn P.

My husband and I had a great date night here! The oysters were perfect and our entrees were delicious! The course delivery was also timed correctly by a friendly waitstaff. I'll update to 5 stars if the beer selection and ambience are both improved a bit. We will definitely return!
(4)
Jennifer K.

Was here end of last year. Staff super friendly! Totally cheated with diary and fried foods. (I AM A CHEATER!!!!) Can appreciate simple set up -since food is good! Had the shrimp and crab dip. Fried oysters and shrimp and grits. Seafood cooked perfectly. Will definitely cheat again with this place.......
(4)
martha m.

Went back for $20 lobster night and had a nice time. Lobster was good. Sides okay. Service was great.
(4)
Krysta B.

I LOVED this place! Everything was delicious. I ordered the scallops with pesto risotto it was amazing! Very filling of course, rich and flavorful. There is no shortage of food with each dish. The scallops are large and prepared to perfection! The peel and eat jumbo shrimp was easy to peel and not overly cooked like some places can do! All around every bite was so full of abundant flavor! Highly recommend!
(4)
Dan M.

The food was excellent - probably the best seafood I have had in Atlanta. The service was good, not great. The guy who brought our plates to the table was in such a hurry that he didn't place them in front of us. My wife's plate was literally hanging off the table, which was surprising given the prices. As I said, the food is wonderful. The prices are expensive. The ambience is surprisingly pub-like for the price. The food says "we have gone out for a special dinner." The atmosphere says, "stop by for a pint after the game" My wife had the salmon, which she really loved. I had the grouper in the coconut ginger sauce, which I highly recommend. If based on the food alone, the rating would be five stars. I will be back - not regularly- it is just a little too expensive for that. But I will definitely be back.
(4)
Twanda E.

I went here with on a sister-friend date and had a relaxing time with great food. I love the freshness of the food. I had the catch of the day (forgot what it was) in a tomato sauce (skinny). It was good. We came on a restaurant week so it was a pseudo-prix fixe. My meal was accompanied by the chowder which was a little salty for my taste. I substituted for the caesar salad; you can never mess up a caesar salad.
(4)
Michael F.

The food is a 5 star. Had amazing appetizers and dinner was fantastic too Only short fall is the overall Beer list is tiny. More wine options. If beer list was as extensive as wine would be 5 star Great staff serving you!!
(4)
Lisette R.

I had my first Goin' Coastal experience on Wednesday 7/30/14. Drawn in by the idea of $5 oysters, I was blown away by dinner. First things first, I didn't even get oysters lol. But it's ok, no regrets here! For appetizers we got the crab cake and the crab dip, delish! Entrees were the low country, for the man, and I got the shrimp & grits. Along with the 2 glasses of Chenin blanc, man! Let me tell you! I woke up the next day STILL full! Being a northerner, I'm glad to have delicious, fresh seafood at a decent price right in my favorite part of town! Next on my list: $20 whole lobster Mondays!
(5)
Robbie M.

I had just finished a 7 day cruise and wanted to eat some really good seafood or fish. Going Coastal was an excellent choice. Creative cocktails. I had the Yule Tide, a cider based grog. My appetizer was an oyster with poek belly dish. They should have advertisedbit as a pork belly dish with a couple of oysters. Too much pork belly with two tiny oysters. Tasty but the pork overwhelmed the oysters. My entree was a citrus topped fish I think halibut, with mashed plantains. The sauce was divine a spicy tang to the citrus. Plantains roughly mashed with seasoning that complimented the fish. Definitely need to make reservations. We got there early enough to find a spot at the bar. The seafood bowl looked yummy and my friend's risotto was very tasty.
(5)
Dani M.

I'd first heard about Goin Coastal in Creative Loafing with the $1 mimosa ad and thought, oh yea I Gotta check this spot out! What's not to love about brunch and mimosas on sale?? lol I took a nice walk down Highland to N Highland and ended up at Virginia Ave and had my pick of several spots, but Goin Coastal was indeed the best choice! To start, there was no wait, and ample seating with enough windows to do some fun people-watching of all the Poncey-Highlanders. They serve this scrumptious, soft, fresh banana bread when you order, and let me tell you - I did Not want to share! I killed that bowl! When my boyfriend finally arrived I had to order him his own bowl. The menu is filled with choices for seafood and brunch, and since I'm huge on seafood and need to eat light these days, I was more than pleased. There's also a couple daily specials you won't find on the menu, and I'm big on specials so I went for that. Mine was a scramble with crab meat I believe - so delicious. The servers are quick and professional, and very nice. The place is clean and spacious. You can easily find street parking so that's not an issue either.
(5)
Tae S.

Omg I don't think any of the food here is bad. I absolutely enjoyed everything I tasted at our table. The atmosphere is quaint and cozy and would be great for a date or group of friends. The portions are just right and not overwhelming. You must try the Moscow mule if you drink alcoholic beverages. It can be difficult to find parking, which can be frustrating but once you eat you will forget about it. The service was good as well. Great place to go.
(5)
Denise D.

WE ate there today for Mother's day. I was a little sad that the evening menu wasn't available, but we made it work anyway.The bartender Daniel was the best part of the day. He was friendly (but not too friendly...I hate that) and honest about his favorites on the menu. We don't always listen and today was no exception. LOL. They didn't have raw oysters on the brunch menu, but they shucked a dozen for us any way and they were the absolute best part of the meal. Perfectly clean with no grit or shell and delicious. Best fresh oysters I have ever had in Atlanta. My husband got the fresh black grouper and 3 pepper hash and it was also outstanding. My daughter and I opted for fried seafood and unfortunately it was left in the fryer for about 2 minutes 2 long and the shrimp were hard as rocks. The oysters were from a big canister of oysters and they did have some grit. I kicked myself for not getting the special. We will return for Wednesday oyster nights for 5 bucks a dozen. They were that good. They gave me a lovely rose for mother's day and daniel was a very competent bartender/server. I do recommend going.
(4)
Bill F.

We gave Goin' Coastal another chance and it was not good. Surprisingly unattractive presentation of a decent tuna tartar. Chunks of tuna stuffed into a small parfait glass was tasty though. The main course was a dried out, flavorless swordfish. Really sad when a restaurant that specializes in seafood cannot cook fish right. There must be better choices for seafood elsewhere in Atlanta.
(1)
Blair B.

Eh. Meal was pretty bland overall. Smaller portions and high prices. The server screwed up our meal twice. Told us the wrong side, forgot our "complimentary" cornbread, and brought my husband the wrong dish. Best part of dinner was the gelato shop next door.
(2)
Lindsay G.

Our first time to Goin Coastal and we really enjoyed it! Made a reservation for 8:15 on Saturday night, got in right on time. Even though we arrived later in the dinner service, there were still plenty of fresh fish options available on the "chalkboard" fish of the day menu. We started with the muscles; served in coconut ginger sauce ( not sure if sauce is the right word) which was amazing. Comes with two big pieces of fresh bread to soak up some of that great flavor. We also had clam chowder, which had a very earthy taste. As a new englander I thought it was decent but there was a slight after taste I personally didn't care for, however I'd give it another go round. For our entree I had the seafood risotto which was so so creamy and filled with fresh scallop and shrimp ( I left out the fish) and my friend had one of the specials which was a surf and turf penne with mushrooms. The steak was rare and tender and the shrimp perfect. Flavor a were outstanding! Our server Polina was amazing. She took the time to explain menu items to us, she was very knowledgeable and had great timing. She was attentive yet allowed us to enjoy our time together. We decided after offering dinner to try the Myagi Oysters (DO IT) which were fresh in! I respect any restaurant that serves their cocktail sauce with extra horseradish in case you want more of a kick. Polina came by to ask us how they were. We said great but he last two were a little frozen so we were letting the rest thaw. It was not said as a complaint but within 5 minutes one of the chefs (Cristina) I believe came out with more oysters for us. She said the cooler had been a little cooler and temperature control had been a slight challenge on this evening. They did not have to do that but felt that since the oysters were somewhat pricey it was the right thing to do! I will definitely come back and recommend this place to anyone who wants to eat good and support sustainable food practices! Cheers
(5)
Tashia Z.

Dinner at Goin' Coastal was part of my BF's birthday surprise for me. I loved everything: the atmosphere is cozy and warm, the service was impeccable, and the food was very good. I had some kind of fizzy adult beverage, which was a little weak. All in all, I loved the fresh fish, the sides were great and the cornbread was delicious. I can't wait to return!
(4)
Katherine S.

This place is getting too popular for its own good. I love the simple, fresh seafood, and it appears everyone else does as well. The 1 lb lobster special ($15 Mon-Wed) sells out fast, so go early on those nights to snap it up. The last time I went, I made a reservation (recommended) and we still had to wait 30 min for our table. But- the restaurant did make amends by offering us a free appetizer. Good wine list and delicious food for a reasonable price. A nice addition to the neighborhood, for sure.
(3)
Keo S.

It was my first time there and had a great time. It's a small place and get's packed quickly, but that is part of the charm. I had the peel and eat shrimp app and it was perfectly seasoned. The Lobster Tacos were YUMMY! Prices are reasonable so I'm definitely coming back.
(4)
Dru M.

This was our second time dining at Goin Coastal. We started with some oysters (4 ways - raw, rockefeller, parmesan/garlic and crab stuffed). They were tasty, but a tad gritty. But you can usually expect a little bit of that when eating oysters. I ordered the mahi (side salad, mashed potatoes as my sides), my boyfriend and one of our friends ordered the lobster special and our other friend ordered the lobster mac and cheese. Everyone was happy with their meals. I was a bit upset that they revised their drink menu since the two drinks I wanted were no longer available, BUT I decided to try the basil limeade and ended up having two. One of my friends really enjoyed the champagne cocktail, as well. So here's two drink you should try. They also have a lobster special worth mentioning. It runs Monday-Wednesday and for $15 you get a whole (1 lb) lobster with cole slaw and fries. Pretty good deal. Note...they offer valet now, but it's $3 and you might have to wait some since there is only one driver. It's good to have since street parking can be tough in th Highlands. Overall...great food, drinks and service. We'll be back again.
(4)
Luckie D.

Why 5? Good fresh food, friendly service and a good value. I will Return! Make this the place you meet your next on-line date, get the lobster, a beer and have a great time. Watch were you park Atlanta continues to find ways of making you re-thinking every decision to come intown. I hope a 2nd location is headed OTP. Hey somebody has to eat it.......
(5)
Mel L.

On my last visit, the owner of the B&B we were staying at suggested my mother and I come here for dinner. This place was PACKED. Even so, the host managed to squeeze us in. We split the sweet potato chips and we meant to split our two entrees but mine was so amazing I refused to share. :) Will definitely be back the next time I'm in Atlanta!!!
(5)
Oscar G.

Excellent food, excellent service. Lots of stuff I want to come back and try. Highly recommended. We went for the lobster special. $22 for maine lobster and 2 sides. $2 of that goes to the Virginia Highlands Fire Dept. a pretty worthy cause. the jalapeno corn bread pudding was really good as were the grits. after the description of the shrimp and grits from the waitress, i plan to go back to try that specifically. those grits and fried rock shrimp on top, should be awesome.
(5)
Juan M.

Beginning my Once-A-Month Best Food Joints in ATL Tour! I was looking for a good, if not decent local seafood restaurant, and I think I found one... my experience at GC was largely enjoyable! I ordered their Fried Seafood platter, sans the oysters (I don't eat them), the waiter was courteous and hospitable...one gripe I had was when I first walked in the door. No one noticed me until a few minutes later. Topped the food off with a cold glass of Stella Artois and I was full as a tick.
(4)
dean N.

Atlanta finally has a seafood restaurant worth bragging about. I've been severely seafood deprived and disappointed since moving to Atlanta from the Florida, where seafood was always readily available and fresh. Most of what's available here is overpriced, over complicated seafood. Here everything is fresh and well prepared. I had the Dungeness Crab, well prepared. The sides are very good too, collard greens, mac and cheese, all the southern classics. The lobster for $25 was a steal and the oysters were some of the freshest in town. The topper was the watermelon jalapeno margarita that starts sweet and hits you in the back of the throat. A great way to start the evening.
(5)
Cone T.

Despite its stupid name, Goin' Coastal is some of the best seafood I've had in atlanta. The restaurant also claims to only serve seafood from reliable and sustainable populations (although I don't understand how they can serve tuna... I thought all tuna was overfished.) I'd like to get more information on what their definition of 'sustainable' is. Either way, I commend them for it, and the food was delicious. My dad had a beautifully cooked branzini (Sea Bass caught off Greek shores), and I went oysters au gratin, also very well done. They served cornbread as a starter, and it could have been the best cornbread I've ever had... This place was awesome, they just need a name that doesn't sound like a run of the mill crab shack. -C
(4)
Jason C.

Great food, and wonderful service from the bar staff--but getting seated was a bit of an adventure. My one word of warning (and I'm hoping this is not the norm, but it was a serious inconvenience to us): We made an 8:30 reservation last Friday night, and were told that our table would be available shortly. Being that it was a Friday night, we didn't think twice about it. Fifteen minutes later after a few parties were seated in front of us we asked about our table again. We were told that it would be ready in 5 minutes. Another 15 minutes went by and another couple of tables were sat while we were waiting, including a couple that had come in after we had arrived. At this point, we asked again, and were again told that our table was being prepared. After another 10 min passed and another couple was sat in front of us, we expressed our displeasure to the host staff a bit more clearly. Again we were told that they were working on our table. It was now 9:15. Finally we did what we should have done from the start, which was grab a seat at the bar. The bar staff was fantastic and extremely attentive. Wine selection was great, and we greatly enjoyed our meal. Finally I'll echo the other reviews: the peel and eat shrimp were fantastic. Had it not been for that rather unbelievable seating experience, I would have given them a 4 star review.
(3)
Elizabeth A.

I'm lucky enough to live in this neighborhood and visit Goin Coastal often. Every thing I've ever had there has been nothing short of perfection. There's not a lot of fanfare, just fresh, deliciously prepared food. I just saw they are starting a brunch which I am anxious to try!!!
(5)
Korie S.

This restaurant is amazing! I would definitely recommend a reservation because they get super busy! The sustainable seafood menu changes based on the availability of the fresh seafood. My husband and I made reservations for our Anniversary dinner and we were so glad that we did. The atmosphere is so eclectic, but so comfortable and laid back. The she crab soup and the crab cakes are delicious! We enjoyed everything from the cornbread to the salad. The grouper and the trout were prepared perfectly. Chef Seth even made the rounds and greeted all of the guests. We definitely felt like VIP'S. The desserts were amazing and the service was top notch. We would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for extremely fresh and well cooked food with great service and a great atmosphere. We will be going back and soon!
(5)
Sheila J.

L Yesterday evening, while on business in Atlanta from DC, my friend took me to Goin Coastal, a neighborhood establishment, for dinner. We ordered the Pompano stuffed with crab for two, along with 2 cocktails. The cocktails were weak and the inside of the fish had not been cleaned before stuffing, cooking and serving it to us. We were EXTREMELY disappointed. The waiter was excellent. He apologized profusely and offered us "dinner on the house", which, by the way, did not include the cost of the cocktails nor any dessert. One of the owners who was on site at the time of the incident and was acutely aware of the gross incident, NEVER, came to our table to apologize. Caveat emptor.
(1)
Kathy H.

Definitely a fan! Stumbled across this place wandering through Virginia Highlands in search of food, what a cool find! Had seen this place on Yelp but was admittedly a little put off by the name - still not impressed with the lack of thought in naming the place, it cheapens what is really a very cool eatery doing extremely good things with food and sustainability. They only serve overpopulated fish, never overfished or endangered species. Because we were there late, the availability of some menu items was limited, but they made up for it in service and in quality and tastiness of the items that were available. Our waiter was a doll, very informative and repeatedly took the time to educate us on sustainable fishing and the restaurant's approach to eating. Great selection of wine. The jalapeÃ±o corn bread pudding is divine, and ours was complimentary to make up for being out of bread - points scored! The even sent staff to the grocery for grapefruit juice to fill our cocktail request, just can't say enough about the service. Organic salad was good, raw oysters, though east coast harvested and a little small, were yummy. Fried platter (I know, pedestrian, but we were both longing for fried oysters, what can I say??) was perfectly prepared, even the shrimp, which I normally don't pay much attention to. Sides were collards (good) and potatoes (so-so). Definitely would revisit, hopefully earlier in the evening when they're firing on all eight!
(4)
Steve Q.

Three of us went on a sunday night wanted to try this restaurant before we leave Atlanta in the morning ( Dont worry we return to ATL quite often). Because it was late sunday night, many of the on-board specials were sold out. The manager Scott took care of us by making special plate of snow crab legs and gulf shrimp boils. The seasoning of the boil were on-point, just right. I have tried to make gulf shrimp at home before but they came out rubbery. You have to leave it to professional chefs like the ones who are in charge here to do it right. They were tender and sweet. My wife's Fisherman bowl had all the right pieces and generous portion in a saffron scented tomatoe broth. Because they were out of PEI mussells, they substitued lobster mac and I tell you the mac is the real thing: crusty, baked and buttery, unlike the runny watery version they served with dissolving restaurant-supply cheese mix at other places. Wish for: Fantastic sea food , nice setting but Scott (mgr) I think a fish netting would add to the ambiance, no ? GOIN' COASTAL does not cut corners and does things the right way. Make your reservation early because it gets fill up quick.
(5)
Gaurav A.

Food- great, Service- great and Ambience- great. We went there around 8:45p.m. (5/28/2011) and the warm hostess immediately seated us. Our server,Amber, was very friendly.She went over the specials, the seafood catch and the wine list. The fritters was soft, warm and tasty. And for our main dish- we got the fired shrimp with corn and collard greens and the lobster tacos. Really loved everything. very satisfied and enjoyed a great evening.
(5)
George H.

This rating of 5 stars comes mostly from the excellent food and service. Not the fact that I feel the she-crab soup was too salty and the saltines needed to have no salt on them to make this dish well balanced again. The fish dishes that came out of the kitchen tonight were perfectly cooked. Friends tried the catfish and tile fish and they were both tender and great. The fried catfish was not oily but rather fried to a crunchy but not overdone texture. I tried the crabcakes and they really do not skimp on seafood here. The crab dip was loaded with seafood, and the crabcake dinner entree was either a bite of lobster or crab. Heavenly. The oysters are Market Price so I was pleasantly surprised that 1/2 dozen were $12 for the night. We grabbed a dozen and they were fresh and tasty, much better than the oysters I grabbed last week at Parish. Come here if you're craving some real seafood and at pretty large portions. Be prepared to eat. The only thing that was somewhat bland was the lemon vinaigrette for the salad, kind of boring.
(5)
Marcus H.

The fish is cooked pretty well here; however, the sides and the meal are a little pricey for what you get...
(3)
Emmanuel W.

I love this place, I have been 3 times and not had a issue. It's a upbeat small place, kinda loud so not somewhere for a first date but a great spot to hit in the spring and summer! If I stayed closer to downtown I would probably go more but the food is fresh, prices aren't the cheapest but hey you pay for the quality of food, throw that red lobster shit out the window, this is real seafood!
(4)
Greg J.

Come for the fish, stay for the pecan pie! Available / fresh fish are listed on the chalk board. Expect high quality, environmentally responsible ingredients. Two musts: 1.) order one of the specialty cocktails and 2.) make sure you get some cheesy grits as a side. Goin' Coastal is in a super location, and a great place to walk after an awesome dinner. Thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend going here!
(4)
Jodi A.

My first time here. Sat at the bar and had the best time talking to Webster (our bartender) the owner and executive chef. The peel and eat shrimp were delish, but the real star of the meal was the pecan pie. It was AMAZING. Great atmosphere, great people and ridiculously good pie. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Dana B.

I have been to Goin' Coastal in Virginia Highlands a few times and each experience tops the previous one. I originally reserved for a party of 11 for last Friday night and it grew to 17 that day. It was for a special dinner to celebrate a father and son's birthdays, both on the same day. Seth, the owner, Scott, and Joey all accommodated us and made it a memorable evening. They all go the extra mile to make sure you feel a part of their family. The food and drinks are always great and I've tried something different each time. Goin Coastal is easily my favorite restaurant.
(5)
Connie H.

WTC? The biggest plate of shrimp I have ever seen! 3 people could eat on 1 plate. Very fresh and great service.
(4)
Libby D.

Well, I have heard about this place (actually the Canton location) for some time now and in spite of living nearby just finally made it in a couple of weeks ago. And, well, I am a little disappointed. Wish I could give it a 2.5, I think I would describe this place as a sweet neighborhood spot serving seafood for people who don't really like seafood. The restaurant is attractive, simple and small. The staff were nice adequate, but young. I do like that they serve sustainable fish and shellfish. But the menu wasn't to my taste. Most things are some dish with fish in them or fish/shellfish tarted up in some rich sauce. Given that we were looking for fresh fish & shellfish our table ordered raw oysters, peel and eat shrimp and the Low Country platter. The cornbread they brought to start the meal was so wet it fell apart and was sweet - blech - not really cornbread. More like creamed corn trying to pass itself off as a bread. Just weird and mushy. The cocktails were good - the ginger/apricot martini and the basil limeade at our table were well liked. The fish dishes were all super-bland. What was cooked was well cooked but nothing had any oopmh. Even the cocktail sauce tasted just like ketchup. There was some horseradish with the oysters (which were the WORST, wateriest, tasteless raw oysters I have ever eaten) that we had to mix into the cocktail sauce to give it the proper flavor. The people around us who had lobster mac & cheese and fried somethings seemed to like their food, but if you are going for simply prepared, fresh fish - that doesn't seem to be their sweet spot. And the bill was not inexpensive. You are paying for the sustainable aspect of the fish and the VAHI rent. I wanted to like it but it isn't for me. For fish/shellfish in metro Atlanta, C&S remains our choice. We did see a $15 lobster roll special on weekends only. Given that we can walk here, we will probably give it one more try once it cools off a bit - maybe that will have a little more flavor.
(2)
Maggie C.

Went here for a random Tuesday-night dinner. Was pleased with everything, including the service. They make it known from the start that they are sustainable and conscious about when and where they get their fish. We tried the mussels (app), low-country broil, and collards. The portion size (which truly was a "heaping bowl") of the mussels app was enough for a meal, no doubt. All of the mussels were cooked (open) and the sauce was too tempting to try and dip in the leftover crumbs of the complimentary cornbread they serve you. The low-country broil had shrimp, crab legs, andouille sausage, and red potatoes. At first, we thought it wouldn't be enough considering our LOVE for seafood; however, we were pleasantly surprised and full. The shrimp were large and cooked to perfection, as were the crab legs (which didn't need to be dipped into anything). There were large chunks of the sausage and potatoes and it all came served on a platter instead of a typical pot you might see at restaurants that actually lie on the coast. (I think it actually made our eating experience more efficient that way.) The collards were fine. Not mind-blowing like the ones at Table & Main in Roswell but not terrible. I'd order them again. Good job, GC. Only comment other than a compliment: go for a more unique beer selection.
(4)
Keith H.

Hooked" on "Goin' Coastal" I frequently have outta town guests and they look forward to dining out at a new restaurant every visit. So, of course, I couldn't disappoint them, since seafood is their favorite food, I decided to take them to this new sustainable seafood restaurant, "Goin' Coastal" in the Virginia Highland neighborhood. "Goin' Coastal" what a catchy name! We visited the restaurant on a Sunday, so our dining option consisted of their "Sunday Supper" menu( a fixe prixe menu), $17 for a 4 course meal(Kids $6), 5pm-10pm. What a great idea, very reminiscent of my childhood days having Sunday Dinner at my grandma's. Sunday Supper offers guest a starter(fresh green salad), one of 5 seafoods or meats and shared family style sides(collards, cheesy grits, veggie medley, red potatoes salad), did I mention, there's also dessert. The food is seasoned well, cook to perfection, the salad and sides, are all you can eat, so come hungry and ready to "chow" down(LOL). Reservations are a must, the restaurant fills up fast! There's also a full bar, there's plenty of neighborhood street parking. Walk, run, Swim, just get there! Now, don't dine alone, be sure to bring your family and friends.
(5)
Andre B.

New restaurant in Va-Hi specializing in sustainable seafood. Great seafood, great service, sides are fine, but it's really about the seafood. There's limited seating at a small bar, so you'd be well advised to make reservations.
(4)
Craig F.

Ate there for New Years Eve. I am a bit spoiled coming from Charleston SC and I tried to take this into consideration in terms of my expectations. Overall a good meal with fair prices. The quality of the food definitely came through. The cornbread was so good...moist and slightly sweet but not overwhelming. Had the corn chowder as a starter and the table ordered the gator tail. Gator tail was surprisingly "ungamey" and tender (tasted like chicken! LOL)...chowder was fine. Not too creamy and the potato chunks were nice. There was an ambundance of shredded carrot that was not necessary and not enough corn. I was not in the mood for seafood so I got the boneless fried chicken. Fresh tasting but nothing earth shattering (Rosebud down the street has a better fried chicken than them). Most disappointing was that there was only ONE dessert offering...a pecan pie. I am allergic to nuts so that was not even an option. To not have at LEAST 3 offerings (esp on New Years Eve) is a little ridiculous. The major plus to this place is the friendly vibe that it produces...and that goes a long way. I enjoyed my meal for the most part and I found the prices to be fair, so I will be back.
(3)
Dustin W.

My gf and I stopped here for a few drinks before we went to dinner else where. The drinks were fantastic but the bartender was ultra lame debating if I should even go back.
(3)
Martta R.

We found this seafood restaurant through Yelp and we are very thankful. We were a large party and very hungry. For starters, we had the deep fried pickles, the gator tail, and a full pound of peel and eat shrimp. I was surprised at the tenderness of the gator tail. I have had it before and it tended to be chewy. It was served with an Asian inspired sweet chili sauce. The deep fried pickles were breaded lightly and served with a chipotle cream sauce that tasted a lot like a spicy ranch dressing. The pickles were enjoyed so much, that we had two orders of them. As for the peel and eat shrimp, they did not last long on the table. They were sweet and tender, served with their home made seasoning on top and cocktail sauce on the side. The pickles were $6, the gator tail was $8 and the shrimp was $21 for the full pound. The main courses were priced from $18 to $25. My husband had a pot boil of crab legs, red potatoes, Andouille sausage, shrimp, and corn on the cob. I had the Southern Fried platters with a combo of rock shrimp, oysters and catfish. The breading was very light and not saturated with oil. Neither of us was happy with the remoulade sauce (not spicy enough), so we dipped in the chipotle cream sauce. We both had coleslaw and a jalepeno corn bread pudding. Truthfully, I was not a fan of the coleslaw. The jalepeno in the corn bread pudding was not over powering, but subtle with a bite. It was not a true bread pudding, but rather it had a consistency similar to a spoon bread. Two in our party tried the lobster tacos. The lobster was flash fried and served in soft corn tortillas with a citrus based corn salsa and shoe string french fries. Another in our party opted for the lobster macaroni and cheese. When other's sampled the mac and cheese, they promptly ordered it too! Combined with four appetizers, eight main courses, tax and tip, our bill came to $200. Now, if you decide to visit, I suggest you do it on off hours. From what I understand, it can get crowded and a bit loud. Still, if I get a chance to visit again, you better believe I would any time!
(4)
brian l.

We went for the wonderful lobster rolls for lunch over the weekend after not visiting since around the time they opened. The lobster rolls are pretty darned good - for a roll outside of the northeast.... And those curry fries, man on man.... But the thing that makes me want to come back more than we have in the past is the fact is much of their fish is whole, fresh caught that are fully prepped and cut up in the restaurant (not fillets from a supplier) - - we actually watched them prep a huge king salmon. Might not sound like much, but I realized how fresh their seafood is. My personal rule is 'no seafood if you can't see the sea' as Atlanta tends to have substandard fish that usually are frozen fillets from a unnamed seafood wholesale-er. I think the space sometimes gives the impression they have cheaper food than they actually do... This is a place the neighborhood really needs to support!
(5)
Lauren P.

my guy and i went on the search for fresh seafood last saturday night...we had stumbled across goin' coastal a few times before but had never tried it. we called and the hostess was very kind..she informed us there were no reservations available but we would be welcome at the bar and it wasn't crowded at the moment. we went over, pulled up a seat at the bar, which looks directly into the kitchen. we were greeted by our fantastic bartender, Joey, who was warm, helpful and very genuine. The owner was expediting, and we sat right next to the expo. He almost immediately greeted us and introduced himself. (Seth) My dirty martini with bleu cheese bacon stuffed olives was delicious! A real martini! yes! And my partner had the basil limeade...fresh and tasty, served hipster style in a mason jar. The kitchen staff were upbeat, bantering with Seth on expo as the threw handfuls of fresh spinach into pans and beautiful, pearly white scallops onto the grill. We asked Seth about the mussels...he immediately checks in with the kitchen to see if they still have them... He continues to explain that they get their seafood daily and often run out of more popular items later in the evening because they have no freezer. Everything is received and used day of, or it's tossed. Love it. We received our order of mussels (traditional style...garlic and lots of melted butter) with a side of fresh crusty ciabatta. Best mussels ever. And i couldn't stop dipping my bread in that broth.... My guy had oysters as well...very traditional minuet with super fresh cocktail sauce and horseradish. I have never been one to appreciate the oyster...try as I may, they are lost on me. But these were the least offensive I've tried in my many attempts to learn to love them. My guy was in heaven. We ordered a willamette valley pinot off the menu...unfortunately they were out but Joey was incredibly helpful...he offered up tastes of a few similar wines until we found a bottle we could enjoy. We also ordered the scallops and baked salmon for our entrees...both very fresh, simple and outstanding. The scallops were perfect, buttery and sweet. With the casual, friendly atmosphere, outstanding attentive service and wonderful food I know we will be back soon!
(5)
Possum I.

The food was ok but the service was some of the worse I've experienced in a long time. Our waitress had NO idea what she was doing. When she brought a new drink, she just left the empty glass on the table. When she brought a new plate of cornbread, she just put the new plate on top of the old one. We were seated next to a table that had just left the restaurant. 25 minutes later, they still had not cleared that table. I had to ask someone to clear it and a fight between three employees started as a result. The Red IPA ($8 pint) was terrible....tasted like flat Milwaukee's Best keg beer. We said something to the waitress and she just shrugged her shoulders. Very doubtful that I will return.
(2)
Jeff L.

We had a really great experience here. Located right in the Virginia Highlands. They use sustainable fish for their menu. The food was excellent and well portioned. Waiter (Mike) was super nice and very attentive. I will definitely come back the next time I am in Atlanta...
(4)
S B.

I would have given this place 5 stars, but the service was lacking just a bit to warrant a 5-star rating. Came for a slew of appetizers as opposed to a standard dinner, but we ended up having 2 dozen oysters, too much cornbread, and then only had room for the crab/lobster cake app. The oysters were on point. Mignonette was stellar, cocktail sauce just spicy enough, crackers a plenty. The server only gave us one cocktail fork for two people "because she couldn't find another." For the status of this place, you should have looked a bit harder OR run a rack of silver through the dish pit. Anyway, back to the food. The cornbread is so freaking good. The lobster/crab cake thing was also amazing. Pairing the two into a small bite slider = the best idea ever. Bottom line, this place is a bit pricey, but the food is awesome. I haven't had the entrees yet, but judging by the apps, I'll for sure be back for a date night sometime in the near future.
(4)
Solomon S.

I have never had a more unpleasant experience at a seafood restaurant. The crabcake appetizer was good, and the hush puppies were delicious. but when my entree arrived, i found the breading on my fried oysters and shrimp to be overwhelming. I could not even taste the oysters for all the breading, and it came out luke warm. It is more expensive than their seafood restaurant neighbor Fontaine's, but at Fontaine's I always leave satisfied.
(1)
M A.

Finally, a neighborhood joint that serves great food, without the stuffy atmosphere! Food is great and the service is incredible. On an off night, sit at the bar and let Webster take care of everything. My wife and I spent a great Thursday night meeting the owner and being treated like special guests ...and it was crowded!! Do not leave without having a slice of pecan pie. It's life changing.
(5)
Robby C.

A group of 7 met for a 8:30 reservation last Saturday at Goin Coastal. We got a drink and were seated promptly. We were given only three menus, but the place was packed and our super friendly waitress apologized, we were havin' fun, so it was no big deal.. Drink and appetizer orders were taken shortly after we were seated. I tasted the oysters on the half and they were very fresh and delicious. I ordered the She Crab Soup, it was very good, but I like more than a splash of Sherry or the way they do it at the restaurant in Neiman Marcus, which is the best I have ever had. For my entree I ordered the Low Country Bouillabaisse which was a fancy Low Country Boil, which I've had quite a few times. It was absolutely delicious!! Especially the taste of fennel which worked well with the seafood, I really enjoyed it and was very pleasantly surprised. For a side I tried the Jalapeno Corn Bread Pudding, it was good, I would have liked it better if there were more jalapeno, then again, that's just me. The Chardonnay was very good as well with the dinner. Plenty of corn bread was brought to the table, it was cake like and very moist and very good. I liked the no frills decor, which is nice after visiting restaurants which can be over designed. I'm from Virginia, so Goin Coastal reminded me of the seafood restaurants I'm used to seeing in the tidewater region. The host, bartender and waitress were very friendly and again, the place was packed. The prices were mid to high end, which surprised me at first, but after my entree I could see why, super fresh in every way. I think Goin Coastal is no frills seafood at it's best, I would recommend it and really hope to be back soon.
(4)
Sean S.

Newbie to the concept of 'sustainable seafood,' I really enjoyed the servers walking me through the what's what. They even gave me educational materials to take with me and share with friends. The prices were reasonable and I enjoyed their twist on home-style, Southern accents to all the dishes. (The bar served a mean gin-and-tonic infused with cucumber that was perfect for summer.) My only two tick-marks against are the space -- it's a tight fit for patrons -- and the noise. But in fairness, it's loud in almost every restaurant in town these days. One celeb sighting the night I went: Keshia Knight Pulliam (Lil' Rudy from The Cosby Show) sat across from us. She ain't lil' no mo'!
(4)
Q C.

First of all Goin' Coastal has great seafood. I've eaten here a few times and initially I ordered from the menu which is very good, but ordering one (or more) of the specials from the big board is AWESOME! Service is great and the head chef / owner is very personable and knows the names of his regular patrons. I usually sit at the bar where they remember my name and drink of choice. They also have something for the turf lovers, so its a cool for everyone. I'd recommend Goin' Coastal to anyone.
(5)
Gayle B.

I've been to Goin' Coastal twice. My only complaint is that it's not bigger. The last time I was there, my fish came out cold and raw. I notified the waitress. One of the owners immediately came to my table, brought me yummy cold soup (it was supposed to be cold), and personally brought out my fish when it was done. He came over to my table twice more to be sure it was okay. Their corn on the cob (rubbed in Bay seasoning), is yummy! Ditto on the collard greens, which I had never had in my life! Fish is fresh, good, and reasonably priced! A great addition to the neighborhood.
(4)
Summer T.

I was there last night. The food was good. I am happy to see this new restaurant is doing good. Wish them luck!
(4)
Jackson B.

Love the atmosphere! Love the food! Love the service! It feels like you actually are on the coast somewhere! Bloody marys were fantastic! Only minor tweak: Drinks and appetizers are a little pricey for a neighborhood restaurant: $13 bloody marys and $15 oysters rockefeller.
(4)
F H.

I was blown away by this restaurant! The food was all very fresh and reasonably priced, the server was attentive and knowledgeable, and the ambiance was perfect. We started with a sampler of the baked oysters - the crab stuffed were my favorite - and then got soups. The she crab soup was good, but a little too sweet for my taste. I had the king crab legs for an entree and thought they were absolutely wonderful - not overcooked and super fresh. We had some hushpuppies which were, without a doubt, the best hushpuppies I've ever had. These were light, fluffy, and slightly sweet - not dense and cornbread-y like most hushpuppies. The cheese grits were actually edible (I normally dislike grits). I'd go back to this place in a heartbeat!
(4)
Katie C.

So, my friends and I have the opportunity to dine out at Goin' Coastal again last week, and what a huge difference! I wanted to update my review because I see now that our experience was not typical for the restaurant. The staff was helpful, courteous, and on-the-ball. Our cocktails we made perfectly this time (which always helps after a tough day)... Furthermore, the food was amazing. Our food last time was great, but this was even better this time. We started out with crab cakes and peel and eat shrimp. Usually I don't think much of shrimp, but I will say the these shrimp were different than most. I would definitely order them again. For our main course, we ordered one grouper special blackened, one grouper special baked, and the snow crab legs. We all shared (three of us) and couldn't even finish everything. Each dish was great and I'm glad we each ordered a different plate so we could have a little taste of everything. We were served a huge piece of grouper... Then, when we didn't think we could eat anymore we ordered and shared one of the tastiest desserts I have had in a long time. It tasted like a Tiramisu pie and was woth over-eating for! After I was proved wrong during my last visit, I see now that my friends and I just stumbled upon a really bad night, because our last visit was not reflective of the first. I would most certainly recommend Goin' Coastal to friends in the future. Perfect for a nice dinner date, a casual girls night out, or even to just stop by for a cocktail. I will be back.
(5)
Linda B.

Best place for fresh seafood in the ATL. We decided to try this place for our anniversary a few nights ago and absolutely loved it. The place has a wide assortment of "catch of the day's" as well as some main stays on their menu. We had the grilled MahiMahi, mine was just regularly seasoned while my husband had his "blackened" - both were sensational. For the sides we had coleslaw which was fresh and homemade and the cheese grits which probably are the best I've ever had. I will say we were thankful to have made reservations. This was on a Tuesday evening but the place was still completely slammed. The only negative thing I can say is that they appeared to be understaffed given the volume of customers. Also, while they probably don't have the space, some outside dining would have been nice as the inside of the restaurant was very loud. Other than that, this is now going to be our "go to" place anytime we have out of town guest whom we want to impress in our fine city.
(4)
Susie L.

We have been enjoying Goin Coastal since they first opened in our neighborhood. It's like Cheers to me. Everyone is happy to see us when we visit, be it a weekday or a weekend - the whole family or just my husband and I. I made a reservation to celebrate an event with my family. I made the reservation with one of the owners that answered the phone. I told him about the celebration. When we got there we were welcomed as usual with smile s and hugs all around. As we filled in one of the booths, they brought out 2 of the special appetizers - fantastic. Then a bottle of champagne - so kind and thoughtful. We all enjoyed our wonderfully prepared food, so fresh and delicious. Then our waitress, Tiffany, brought out a cake. Not just any cake by any 'ol person, but one of her own creations. My first cake since my wedding covered in fondant. It read Goin Coastal on top, and Mazel Tov on the side. They had done research to congratulate me on my adult Bat Mitzvah. Amazing! We love to go to Goin Coastal. We enjoy the owners, their wait staff, and of course - their food! We are so happy that they decided to have their second restaurant in Virginia Highlands! Here's to many more happy occassions, be it a weeknight, weekend, or an extra special day. Best Wishes!
(5)
Alex F.

sustainable seafood what else ameripure oysters very nice, oh did I mention the rare vos on tap nuff said
(4)
Jamel N.

scallop and shrimp risotto was rich and creamy, crab fritters were delicious as was the krispy kreme bread pudding, not too sweet as you would expect... was disappointed by their basil limeade wasn't what I expected, I could barely taste the basil.
(4)
Who W.

I had a good experience here, bartender was nice, food was pretty good, but it also didn't wow me (fish was missing a little something special and the veggies were pretty bland and a bit over done). Initially red wine was served too cold, but they made up for it. The hush puppies were great! I think they earn the A-OK rating, I'd go back for their specials but not for a special date.
(3)
Gil V.

Went on a Saturday night at 8:30. Called and got a reservation probably a good idea on the weekend around that time. Everything was really good. We had a few specialty cocktails. They were good, but a touch sweet. No call liquors which was kind of strange. Had the dip which was tasty and crabby in composition and aroma. Wife had the Sullivan island shrimp which was good for her because she was wanting something a touch spicy and diffrent. She said she would definatly get it again. I had the amberjack. I really liked the way it was cooked. Someone else might have thought it to be over cooked but it had a very good flavor and texture and the portion was Just bout right given appetizer, corn,bread, and cocktails. Corn on the cob was tasty. No dessert. I am giving this 4 stars because I feel as though the city is short on strait up seafood restaurants and I walked away just as happy with the meal as I have at Atlanta fish market or oceanaire. Down side was parking, no call liquor, my 8 dollar cocktail was not outstanding, and all the breads were very cakie if you know what I mean. Very small infractions, but I'm a picky bitch.
(4)
Alice B.

I love this place! The Sunday Supper is great.
(4)
Hanh C.

lobster mac and cheese was ridiculously good for the tummy. oysters were good, smaller portions--so it left us craving for more. cesaer salad was yummy and had whole anchovies. the cornbread complimentary side was great and lovely buttered up. had a wide selection of fish. looking forward to trying next time. can't wait to come back.
(4)
George B.

Surprising find!! Our server, Paige, was outstanding and the food was fantastic. We had a party of five and everything was great - Sunday brunch specials as well as the crab cakes, lobster roll, steak and eggs AND the"I can't believe I drank that much last night biscuits". I sampled everything and can recommend them all!
(5)
Al B.

Very good food and atmosphere. Its in a great neighborhood.
(4)
Chris T.

Went on a Sunday for brunch. Had 1 dollar mimosa's(they weren't large but they satisfied their intent). Had the gravy with biscuit, scrambled eggs and fruit on the side. Wonderful service and yummy food. Friend has shrimp and grits and she wished she could have the recipe. Nice spot and worth the visit.
(4)
Steven S.

Awesome little seafood joint in the Highlands. We visited on a Wednesday night for their $5.00 dozen oysters. What a deal! Between the 4 of us, we had 5 dozen oysters, drinks, lobster hush puppies, muscles & lobster bisque for $80.00! Definitely worth the price for the quality of seafood we received. I will absolutely return for another Wednesday night in the near future!
(5)
Kelvin M.

A nice small quaint seafood restaurant in the middle of the Virginia Highlands. I consider this now my favorite place for seafood in Atlanta. We had the Swordfish on the fresh fish menu and the Lobster Mac & Cheese on their regular menu. Had the mussels as a starter at the bar while we waited 35 minutes or so to be seated. So definitely making a reservation. But this place is well worth the wait.
(5)
Vanessa L.

Quickly turning into one of my favorite restaurants. So far, I've visited for drinks/apps and dinner. Both times we sat at the bar and had attentive, friendly service. I highly recommend the lobster roll (come hungry because it's packed with lobster!). Also notable is the trout pate. My boyfriend had a full Maine lobster and enjoyed every single bite. The sauteed spinach was a bit too salty/garlicky for my taste, but a small compliant for such wonderful experiences otherwise. Also, cornbread is complimentary and it. is. delicious. Great wine selection and tasty cocktails. It's been fairly busy on both occasions (a Saturday and Monday night), so I'd suggest making reservations if you can but I don't think it's necessary. We'll certainly be back time and again. Highly recommended -- you won't be disappointed!
(4)
Brittany N.

Nice atmosphere, our server name was Joey & he was very nice. The food was worth the price but a little salty. I had the "Yelp pickles" as my waitress called them & for an entree I had the fried shrimp. My family had the Lobster mac, Oyster Rockefeller, Seafood broil, & Shrimp & grits they were all pleased with their entree. I'm still not convinced that it's the best seafood restaurant but it was good, not something I would just have to go back to. I gave it 3 starts because It wasn't nothing spectacular, I've had better! Try it out for yourself.
(3)
Duc L.

So I'm usually never in the Virginia Highland area so I'm new to everything around here. Girlfriend was in town and she was craving seafood so we decided to try this place out. My first time, not hers. She apparently knew what she wanted. This place is good though. A bit higher tier on seafood, but I say you pay for good seafood in the Atlanta area though. So expect walking out with a bill about $50 for a appetizer and 2 entrees, which I honestly don't think is a bad deal for 2 people considering it's seafood. If you're complaining about prices, did that 3 $ sign not give you a clue? As you sit down, instead of regular bread, they give you sweet cornbread. Man, do I love cornbread, but more importantly, SWEET cornbread. I loved this cornbread. Let me tell you. Soft, flakey, had a nice chew to it. I would order this as a side. So like everyone here has said, you HAVE to get the mussels. It will be the best $10 you have spent in this restaurant. You think you're gonna get a measly bowl of mussels that can barely feed anyone right? No. This is a legit entree replacement right here. Nice and large, juicy mussels that will wow you in every sense. We also ordered the lobster mac n' cheese along with the bowl which consisted of shrimp, mussels, fish, tomatoes, corn, scallops, and sausages. Now as for portion servings, I thought each one of the three was generous in what they served. The mac n cheese was literally what you expect. Nice large chunks of lobsters floating somewhere in that casserole dish of mac-n-cheese which happens to be a blend of 3 cheeses. It tasted really rich in my opinion, a lot of cheddar cheese. I think it's more cheesy and less creamy if that matters to you at all. There was one piece of lobster claw that wasn't even bothered to be cut up, just that 3/4 piece of claw all in one piece. Don't care, i'm having me a lobster piece it looks like. Not the best mac-n-cheese I've ever had, but I'll give it top 4. The bowl could be left to be desired. They only included one piece of scallop which I wished at least make it 2 pieces, they had at least two pieces of everything else. The fish piece there was a bit different, but welcomed. Fresh, not fishy, flaky. Sausage bits were small, but I would've liked them more if they were bigger in size. The sauce that everything was in was a tomato fish stock (that's what it was listed) but tasted a bit too....tomato? It took away some of the seafood taste in my opinion. Overall, I think I over ordered. I would've been happy with more cornbread, an order of mussels and possibly the mac-n-cheese. And this is for a party of 2. I share everything, not ordering for an entree just for myself, so I can see someone getting tired of the mac-n-cheese very quickly if that is your entree (just food for thought). I nearly got full on the mussels which took me by surprise. Man, I think i'm still going on about those mussels....I can't be the only one right?
(4)
Toby M.

The food was EXCELLENT. I would give this 5 stars if they didn't seat us at 9pm for and 8pm reservation. Also, it took another 20 minutes just to get our drinks out. With that said, very good food. I hope they work out the service kinks as 1hr wait is totally unacceptable for a reservation.
(3)
Andrew F.

Definitely enjoy this place! They have great daily specials (we especially like the $5 dozen oyster special on Wednesdays). However, the bartender on Wednesday, Evan, is the main reason we like coming here. He has the perfect personality to fit the atmosphere and is always on point with helping us out with the food and drinks here. This has become our go-to spot for Wed Night.
(5)
mary r.

THEY NEED TO DEBEARD THE MUSSELS!! My husband and I decided to try Goin Coastal as we were craving a nice piece of fish. We sat at the bar and started with a cocktail. Mine was okay, a gin and champagne drink; mostly champagne, not much gin. My husband ordered the bourbon drink, similar to an old fashioned. It was mainly ice, just a few sips of the overly sweet drink. Not a good value for $12. Our first food item was the mussels. They came in a watery coconut broth. Of course, the first two mussels were good, which is what we told the server when asked. While the mussels were large, they were not well cleaned. There was grit in every subsequent bite. I found two beards in the broth and more in the mussels. My husband had one mussel that tasted off, so we quit trying to be brave and stopped. We left over half of the order. I find it very surprising that when most of the food is not eaten, the server does not question the customers satisfaction. My husband ordered the mahi mahi coastal style. It arrived overcooked, the burre blanc was thin and the spaghetti squash and smashed potatoes were forgettable. After telling the server I was allergic to horseradish and wanted hot sauce, I ordered the fried shrimp and catfish. Of course it arrived with cocktail sauce and no hot sauce. I asked again and she disappeared for several minutes, while my food cooled before returning with the hot sauce. The fried food was good, but nothing special. The kitchen seemed to be in the weeds, perhaps due to a private party in a back room. The expediter spent a lot of time explaining rather basic premises to several line cooks. When we got home, my husband got sick....from the bad mussel?? So so service, bad cocktails, bad mussels, over cooked fish and good fried food. Not worth the price. It does not merit another visit. Yuck.
(1)
Jeff H.

Perfect place for seafood. It's always a trustworthy place for quality seafood. The oysters are amazing. The bar is small however worth waiting for a seat. The view of the kitchen is fun to watch the masters prepare the fresh fish.
(4)
Scott H.

Great cocktails, amazing sea food, and brunch bannana bread. They get FIVE stars for Sunday brunch, amazing in house hollandaise on delightful variations on eggs benedict. FOUR stars the rest of the time, and that's only because there are so many other good choices in the immediate area. I love that they focus on sustainable fisheries and amazing oysters.
(5)
Jim B.

I got a very serious case of seafood poisoning after eating here and would advise caution. I have not been that sick in many years.
(1)
linda c.

Good ATL seafood. Perfect serving size, not too much, not too little. Nice little neighborhood joint with a nice vibe.
(4)
Aaron S.

First, I would like to thank the manager/owner (whose name escapes me at this time) for graciously hosting me and my family for my birthday celebration. His professionalism and service were perfectly complemented by the amazing food that unique Atlanta gem creates. Second, the word that comes to mind when eating there is, quite simply, fresh. Me and my entire family enjoyed the cuisines from the fried fish to the oysters from the raw bar. Third, the desserts were hand made from scratch with lots of love. Almost as if someone's mother or grandmother prepared these with lots of butter and love. Actually, it might have been prepared by someone in ownerships's mama. The pecan was especially good. They served cupcakes and cobbler that was also quite delectable. Fourth, the atmosphere reminded me of enjoying the low country in SC. I felt like I enjoyed a sweet tea from a mason jar on my neighbor's porch. Please go whenever you can. You won't be disappointed. I know I wasn't. (written on behalf of the most amazing woman on earth)
(4)
Midtown G.

Awesome service at the bar on 10/27 for a first date. I called and made a reservation and two seats were waiting for us. Great ahi tuna, followed by mussels and crab cakes. You can't go wrong with this neighborhood gem, bar none!
(5)
Alex O.

Great fish. The Oysters were good too. I'd gladly go back. There are other seafood Restaurants in Atlanta. They are in Buckhead and are over-priced and decorated in the 1990's this is great little place. All the food was wonderful and the service was great.
(4)
Matt S.

Sometimes in life not everything falls into place as you'd like and how you react to that makes all the difference. The staff at Goin' Coastal certainly reacted with professionalism to what started off as a not-quite-what-we-were-hoping-for experience. We had an Open Table reservation and were 7 minutes late, but I had called to alert them and they said no problem. The hostess told us, upon arrival, our table was not ready yet (no problem for us at all) and that we could grab a drink at the bar. We got drinks at the bar and the chef himself asked us if we needed anything. We told him we had a free pickle deal through Yelp and that we were good as we were waiting for a table. 4 drinks and about 45 minutes later the hostess still had not gotten us a table so we asked her. She said she thought we had just decided to eat at the bar instead of a table. Not a huge deal, but we both felt she should have at least confirmed with us if we still wanted a table, which we did. The chef apologized and carried our drinks to our table for us; a humble task for a head chef/owner. Our server arrived promptly and said she would get us some water. We wanted bottled water so I asked another employee to please inform our server. A few minutes later, our server arrived again and said it would be just a minute on the water. Again, no problem for us. I had a brunch menu so I asked for a dinner menu, and we thought our pickles from the bar would be brought over like the drinks - they were, about 5 minutes later. Again, all of these are minor issues, but they were starting to add up. On to the important stuff - the food. The menu is fairly expansive offering a plethora of fresh, sustainable seafood options. Very nice and responsible to find a chef who cares about future generations. We started with one of the 3 types of baked oysters. Our's had parmesean and bacon. The oysters were a good size, but the cheese was a bit heavy handed and overpowered the fresh oysters. I took the topping off of my second one and it was perfect! There was just the essence of the cheese and bacon - just enough to compliment the oyster's flavor. A comlimentary salad (don't know if everyone gets one or if it was because of the prior "snafus", but either way it was a nice touch) was brought to us family style with chilled salad plates for each of us. I am a stickler for little nuances like a chilled salad plate, so big points on that! The salad ingredients were super, super fresh - almost as if they had just been picked. Entrees were the red snapper in the "baked" sauce (a rich, hearty tomato sauce) and the pan seared scallops with pesto and white truffle risotto. We both felt the tomato sauce was a bit heavy for the fish although the sauce itself was extremely flavorful, rich, and imbued with deep flavor - it actually tasted amazing with some of the risotto from the scallops! The scallop dish was refined and perfectly balanced. Truffles/truffle oil are very easy to get heavy-handed with and I've experienced this way too often. The chef truly knew what he was doing with this one! Just the perfect amount of truffle essence to compliment, not overpower, the delicate richness of the scallops, and masterfully paired with a perfectly cooked, creamy risotto with just enough pesto to add some brightness and freshness to what could have been a heavy dish. Lastly, and this isn't on the menu, but they do offer "side" portions of the lobster mac-n-cheese, a rich, dish possibly infused with a bit of tomato(?) and lobster with lots of cheesey goodness. I nearly forgot the collards! Being from the South I have strict gudelines to how collards should be cooked and how they should taste. And I take them seriously. These had the perfect texture, the perfect acidity, and the perfect heat. Honestly, I only think my collards are better (and being from the South, I will never admit that anyone's collards are better than mine - too much pride!) Bravo and highly recommended! Oh, our water eventually arrived, brought to us by the manager, "Bash". Apparently they do not offer bottled water, but rather than saying "no", the manager literally ran across the street to a convenience store to get us 2 bottles of water. Sometimes things don't go your way and how you deal with them makes all the difference. Things may not have started off with a bang, but the staff took every measure of professionalism to make sure they ended with a bang! Many thanks to everyone who went above and beyond to give us a great experience.
(4)
Christina W.

Took my husband here for his Birthday. I have to eat Gluten Free and I was excited when I saw the many gluten free items online. However, when I got to the restaurant I found the actual menu a bit different. Our great waitress Paige explained that they were in the process of changing their menu and would be adding more GF options. Other than that we had a fantastic meal. My tile fish in beurre blanc was exceptional. My husband had the big eye tuna and it was delish! My daughter had the fried shrimp and she said they were amazing. The tartar sauce definitely tastes homemade and it was outstanding! I let them know ahead of time that it was my husband's birthday when I made the reservation. They had a cute happy birthday chalkboard sign on the table when we arrived. The French 75 cocktail was refreshing. We will be going back! Fantastic experience. Once they get more GF options they most certainly will get five stars!
(4)
Gillian N.

Cannot say enough good things about Goin' Coastal! As a VaHi denizen, one of my favorite things about my neighborhood is our variety of restaurants, so I was a little skeptical of another seafood place, having already been to Fontaine's. HOWEVER, GC blew me away. The drinks are fantastic, and they are happy to customize them - I ordered the basil lemonade cocktail but did not want it sweet. My server told me she could have them leave out the simple syrup and BAM. Perfect drink (and fewer calories!). My table had Caesar salad, lobster mac, and oysters. All perfect. Salad was cold, crisp, and fresh, lobster mac was creamy and decadent (definitely a sharing plate), and the oysters were amazingly fresh. Our server, Erin, was super sweet and attentive, too. Will definitely be back - maybe tonight!
(5)
Jennifer R.

Food and manager are awesome- ambiance has a lot of room for improvement. The pros: It is refreshing and exciting to have a high-quality, sustainable seafood restaurant in the city. The quality of the fish is top notch and the scallops were the best I've ever had in Atlanta- large, fresh and perfectly prepared. The sides and fillings are all very rich, Southern style. I didn't mind that, but my husband wasn't crazy about cheeses grits and creamy mashed potatoes. I have two food intolerances and the manager, (Bash), personally came to the table to discuss and help me navigate menu options that would be safe for me. The cons: Seating is cramped, likely due to the small venue. The chairs aren't very comfortable either- they kind of make you feel like your at a cheap fish bar in Florida. It creates a disconnect between the high-quality food, (and prices). Also, the exhaust hood was not keeping up with the kitchen grill. Two times during our meal it smelled like someone lit a backyard BBQ about 10 feet from our table. We ended up walking out reaking of smoke and fryer grease. -Not exactly the experience you want when you spend $125 for 2 people, 2 beers each. I give it 3 starts b/c I think there is a lot of room for improvement on ambiance, not b/c of the food quality.
(3)
Michael L.

We came here during Atlanta Restaraunt week to celebrate our anniverary- the place was crazy (as expected)! They were running a bit behind with regards to their reservations, so we waited for another 25-30 minutes. Not a problem, totally understandable. We ordered the mussels as an appetizer, and I was pleasantly suprised at both the bold flavor of the broth as well as the portion size of the dish! The sun-dried tomatoes really made the broth shine, and it really as a great bread dipping sauce as well- wifey had to stop me from eating too much bread. (4.5) She ordered the Blackened Scallops- unfortunately, they were WAY salty. We had to keep scraping away at the spice to make it even close to palatable. Pass on this one. (2.5) I ordered the "Bowl"- A really tasty alternative interpretation of traditional seafood cioppino (at least that's what I thought it was). I've had some really good cioppino at certain places (ie., Scoma's in Sausalito, CA), and I'd say that this one comes close in terms of sheer flavor of their broth. What makes their rendition an "alternative" is their significant use of carrots in the broth, which provides an extra dimension of sweetness to the usual tomato base. The generouse portion of seafood was fresh and not overcooked. (4.5) The Oregonian Pinot Grigio was a perfect complement to our meal. Given how seafood joints have a difficult time around where I live in Decatur, I'd be willing to scrounge for parking in the highlands to come back again. Solid spot.
(4)
Ana M.

OKAY, OKAY, I was wrong. and unfair. and maybe a little rushed to judge Goin' Coastal.... (there, I said it. here's the humble pie and I am eating it) I now think this is a wonderful neighborhood restaurant I am glad to have it walking distance to me, and here is why. Since my last review over 6 months ago, I went with the bf in a rainy weekday. The space seemed less crammed- tables were more spaced out, every party was in their own little table world and not overhearing the conversations of others. The service IS awesome, though I already knew that. The mac and cheese is still my favorite, but now I also really like the bowl of mussels. The mussels are perfectly cooked, in this beautiful broth tasting of wine, butter, garlic and some other delicate flavors that warm the soul. Their menu is varied, and there's something for most tastes. I keep wanting to try a fish in the miso broth, but always default to the mussels or the mac and cheese. (I do need to branch out). The cornbread with chopped green bell peppers is addictive. The cocktail list is inventive, and I commend them for making a spin on the caipirinha. As an appreciator of cachaÃ§a-based cocktails (as most brazilians would be), I appreciate their nod to this delicious liquor, and to realize that it blends well with apples... something a whole nation never really figured out. The weekday specials sound awesome, but I have yet to try them (lobster entrÃ©e for $20 on monday/prime rib for $15? on tuesday/oysters some other day... ok I forget but they are all very reasonable). The lobster mac and cheese were made by gods. The bar is always thriving with regulars and the staff are really upbeat.
(4)
John S.

We wanted good seafood and after doing some research we landed on Goin' Coastal. The restaurant was fantastic. The ambiance was great but be aware that some of the tables are pretty close together. I ordered the grits and my wife got the bowl. Both dishes were awesome. I really liked her dish and she really liked mine. Be aware that there's no parking lot for the restaurant and you'll have to park on the street. We didn't have a problem finding parking but I could see parking being an issue if you get their late. One last nitpick... both of us had shrimp in our dishes and were disappointed that we both encountered a piece of shell (not on the tail end). Overall, our experience was good and we'd go back.
(4)
Jennifer M.

I wavered between a 3 and a 4. The food itself was a 3 but everything else was a 5 so four it is. Great service, from the hostess to the sever I really appreciated the great service I received. My friend and I were seated in a big comfy booth. We started out with some drinks and the shrimp and crab dip. It was all delicious. Our meals came and the portions did not disappoint. My meal was the boil with crab, potatoes, sausage, corn. It was good, fine I wasn't in love with it. I think that if I had chosen something else I would have enjoyed it more. My friend really enjoyed her chicken (I was craving seafood and she obliged me though she isn't a huge fan). If I hadn't moved from Atlanta I would definitely have been back. Make sure you make reservations. It's located in prime virginia highland territory and gets busty.
(4)
Tiffany H.

WOW. The seafood is very fresh and the service is AWESOME. The entire staff (the host, bartender, and waiter) bent over backwards for us! I chose this place for the BF's "Surprise" B-Day dinner. I don't think I could have made a better pick. They even placed a "Happy Birthday" sign at their largest table! The staff members assisted in the small surprise. They even stored the birthday pie in the freezer for the 2 hours before we arrived and brought a slice to the table! (This the pie was a "inside joke" and they helped it make it so special!) We had a round of appetizers and gin. Craig was courteous and gracious with the birthday boy! His service was impeccable! (We'll be requesting him on every visit from now on.) I know...I've gushed enough. Here's the nitty gritty! LOCATION: It's tucked next to the gelato shop in the heart of the Highlands. Be prepared for street parking at $2.00 an hour or circling to find a neighborhood parking spot. The restaurant is cozy, but not too tight. The area makes for great people-watching, browsing, or boozing. The neighborhood is incredibly safe, family friendly, and mature. FOOD: The crab and shrimp dip is to die for! I tried an Alligator Sausage Gumbo as well. It was fabulous! The Lobster Puffs and the Cakes cakes are small, but filling! The pour on that Tanqueray was all a stressed out b-day planner could ask for! They offer fresh fish daily. I'm eager to try this on another visit. SERVICE: You read the beginning of the review, right? :) One more shoutout to the staff. They really rock! PRICE: We scored 3 appetizers, 1 soup, and 2 Tanqueray Doubles for $67, including a generous tip. --The average cost of a shellfish entree was around $21.00. --If you choose to select a fresh piece of fish, you're in luck. There's a variety of price and taste, depending on the daily catch. (Fish can be served one of six ways. Each preparation has its own accompaniments, side items, and/or sauces.) Additional sides like collard greens or jalapeÃ±o cornbread are only $3! --I'd estimate couple could grab two entrees, an app, two glasses (or a bottle) of wine, and split dessert for $95-$100, including the tip. We'll definitely return. If you follow my reviews, you're aware I'm a softie for great service. The food is priced perfectly. As divers, we love the sustainable angle and understand that this method is more time consuming and difficult. The place is everything you want in a "little seafood place". Give it go!
(5)
Phil H.

The food is unquestionably good, but for an informal restaurant the price is 20% too high. $12 for a shot of blended scotch -- not priced on the menu so without warning -- is way high. There were other examples. So, alas, it is no longer on our list.
(3)
Felicia O.

Amazing scallop risotto and fried seafood platter. The place may be small in size,but their food packs a mean punch!
(5)
Jarrett M.

Hands down the best seafood in Atlanta! I have dined here several times and not once been disappointed. Would recommend to anyone who loves seafood and a good dining experience.
(5)
Jai R.

Serves up yummy fresh seafood items and the waitress gave a speech about how they select the food items based on age or something. I can't say that I remember the speech but I remember that they are environmentally conscience about how they choose which fish they will be cooking. We were first seated at the bar while we awaited for our complete party to arrive. The bartender was really friendly, easy on the eyes and talkative. Yeah, that equals great service. As soon as our party was complete we were seated and addressed by our waitress who took drink orders, ran down the menu and gave a speech on their philosophy. I ordered the crab cake dinner. we were served jalapeno cornbread while we waited. It was OK, I wanted it to be a little more spicy. Our food arrived pretty quickly. The crab cakes were good, I ordered red potatoes and the cucumber/tomatoe salad as my sides. I very much enjoyed them all but they were not outstanding. One of my friends ordered a side of collard greens that were pretty spectacular. Besides that I was not too impressed with my food. However, the service and ambiance was wonderful. This is a place worthy of a revisit.
(3)
Donald L.

A great place that has not been discovered by the masses. I will warn that it is a bit pricey for what it is but it is a favorite for seafood. Atlanta doesn't seem to do seafood very well for a city that is only 1000 ft above sea level but this place is a reliable B+. On Wednesday they have $5 dozen oysters so I would recommend taking advantage and don't feel guilty, they will make up for it on the entrees. It is tight quarters and can be loud, we had a loud group at the bar on our last visit that made conversation difficult in the small dining room.
(4)
Andrea M.

The closest you can get to fresh seafood aside from the beach! Great service- amazing food and not loud. Such a find in Va Highlands. Somewhere that's not advertised much but love they take RSVP and we can't wait to go back!
(4)
Tylar D.

Food was a revelation! They do fish right. I got the swordfish aqi special they had and the fish and accoutrements were to die for! I could have easily eaten a plate of their kale - it's so flavorful and complex! My colleague got their risotto which was so rich and amazing. The service was super incredible too! I couldn't decide on wines so our waiter let me taste some to figure it out. Amazing amazing amazing! I will certainly be back!
(5)
Hung D.

Fresh seafood. Great service. Nice location. Good portions. Typical prices. Need I say more. Wife had swordfish. I had seafood bowl. Awesome. Crab cakes very fresh. Oysters were great.
(5)
Katherine G.

Goin' Coastal This is the Best Seafood in Atlanta? Uh . . . No. I'm an out-of-towner from South Carolina who spent all my summers growing up in the SC Low Country, so I've had some amazing seafood in my life. Given the reviews of this place, my sister and I decided it was worth a try. Woe to us. First, let me tell you the one good detail of this place. The seater (maybe the owner?) was super friendly. That's about it for the good stuff, sadly. To start on this restaurant's problems, let's begin with the obvious: the food. We had what purported to be lobster bisque. If that soup had ever been close to a lobster, it would come as a surprise; there was certainly no lobster in it (there's usually at least a good few chunks or many shreds of lobster meat in a good lobster bisque--which this wasn't). What there was was a metric ton of paprika. If you just can't get enough paprika in your life and were wondering if there were a way to eat it by the bowlful, this soup is for you! Otherwise, God, no. We then moved on to the salad, which came with the entrÃ©e we had ordered. I had no idea there was such a thing as creamy oil and vinegar dressing, but apparently there is, because that's all this one could be defined as. The salad itself was a lot of lettuce with two tiny and utterly-flavorless tomatoes huddling inside it. It wasn't worth the effort of finding them, once we did. Our main course was the Low Country broil (which, I have to say, I've never seen in the Low Country in my life but seems to be a big Georgia thing). The shrimp were okay but very overcooked; the potatoes were startlingly undercooked and flavorless, and the corn was drowned in various, unidentifiable herbs and still had no taste at all (we had asked to have it without the sausage, so I can't report on them). This restaurant also doesn't serve real butter for melted butter but some kind of, supposedly butter-flavored, oil. All in all, a pretty pointless meal. As to the service, it definitely didn't live up to the welcome at the door. The waitress was bored and uninterested. Trying to find her or tackle her to get her attention when we needed anything was nearly impossible. We had to visually stalk her and wait to pounce on her when she came within arm's length; she seemed to purposely look the other way every time, so it was impossible to just catch her eye. It didn't make up for the uninteresting food in any way. This place is tiny, as well, and, if you have to wait for a table, you'll pretty much be standing on top of the people eating at the bar. There's no waiting area at all. The floors are also very slippery, if you've just come in from the rain, as we had. There were several times when I wondered if I were going to end up getting to inspect it at close range, as my shoes tried to slip out from under me repeatedly (I'd been wearing the same shoes in the rain all over town that day, and they had presented no problems anywhere else). One other odd thing: they have candles burning in the bathroom, which smelled nice but were on the floor right next to a giant display of toilet paper. I'm not a fire inspector, but I can't believe that this is really a wise decision. One more detail to give you about this place: they had a board with the specials for the evening, including the drink specials. One of them was a pomegranate-chive-jalapeno mohito. I'm not making that up. I understand wanting to be known for something different, but wouldn't it be better to be known for something good? Of course, this place also suffers from the general problem all those in the area have: there's no parking to be found. You have to find a spot down the street in front of somebody's house, blocks away, and hope you aren't blocking a driveway enough to get towed. This particular complaint isn't Goin' Coastal's fault, of course, but it's certainly not worth the hassle of dealing with all this just to get inedible food and a pointed lack of service. My best advice, if you want good seafood in Atlanta, is to go to Ray's on the River. They're not at all friendly, but the food is delicious, fresh, and well-prepared. Life's just too short to eat bad seafood.
(1)
Tasha A.

Decided to check out Goin Coastal for one of our "date night series." We had no expectations, just wanted some good seafood. I made a reservation on OpenTable, we arrived at our reserved time, but was told that there was still a wait. (Makes me wonder why I made a reservation...the wait wasn't terrible though) Goin Coastal doesn't occupy a huge space, so keep in mind that it is a bit crowded and loud once you're inside. The bar is a little crowded, but it was easy enough to get a menu. To pass time, we grabbed a glass of wine at the bar and set out to people watch while we waited for our space. Our wait, interestingly enough, was only about 10 minutes - we were expecting much worse. On to the food and the service! Within minutes of being seated our waiter came over to tell us about the specials. There were far too many for me to remember honestly! We started our meals out with appetizers, I had the avocado - flash fried - sooooooo freakin good! Boyfriend had the mussels; they looked pretty good. They were cooked in a garlic and white wine sauce...very fragrant, but I didn't try any. For an entree I had the crab cake appetizer and he had the scallops. The crab cake appetizer was just big enough to make it a meal, but small enough to save room for desert! Boyfriend's scallops were pretty good, although a little fishy. I was pretty impressed! To end our meal, we split a key lime tart - so good ladies & gents you must try it! Overall we had a great experience, our server was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. We never felt rush or felt "under served." We'll definitely make our way back there for another date night!
(4)
Tom C.

If you're going to have seafood in ATL, there are better places. This place just fine. I had dinner there last night and was pretty surprised to find a chalkboard with three options---swordfish, salmon, crab legs. I'm not sure why a place that is supposed to be a placet o get lots of fresh seafood would have such limited options. (This is, of course, in addition to the regular menu items, all of which seemed to be primarily starch with some seafood/fish thrown in.) I ordered salmon, which was good. There was nothing particularly exciting about it, other than that it was cooked very well. Everyone seemed happy with their food, though no one was talking about how good the place was. Service was fine, too. At the end of the meal, someone at our table asked for dessert. We were told there were two options - key lime pie or pecan pie. Some folks ordered key lime pie. The waitress came back a few minutes late to tell us there was no dessert. Fine. So, that was the end of the meal. If you're going to go for this kind of place in ATL, try Atlanta Seafood Market or Kyma or Lure. I haven't yet been to The Optimist, but that's next on the list. and I will update to compare once I've been there.
(2)
Lawrence C.

My qualifier for 3/4 stars is 3 stars = willing to go back, and 4 stars = looking forward to return. Certainly a reasonably good selection of fish offerings. The variety of preparations however is much more limiting. Paige, our server was a big plus for the evening. My wife had the snapper, plainly grilled @ $29, and I had the swordfish, special baked (roasted) preparation, like a vera cruz style @ $31. The sides of steamed green beans were perfectly prepared, not overdone as is so often the case. It's nice that they offer many wines by the carafe (2 1/2 glasses) and are flexible about substituting veggies for their house salad. This is a very casual location, and babies in the dining room are the norm, especially at an early hour, so be forewarned. N.B. a gelato store is right next door!!
(3)
Laura W.

I absolutely love Goin' Coastal, VA Highlands. This past weekend was my second trip but the first for my husband and some friends visiting from Indy. We had reservations and were seated immediately. Our server was personable and helpful. Two of the four of us had the Oysters Rockefeller and we ended up ordering a second round, they were so good. The entrees were excellent. They were out of the wine we ordered so they brought us a more expensive bottle and comped the difference. We talked about the meal all weekend and will definitely be going back!
(5)
Nico L.

Best restaurant I've ever visited. Pauline, my server was spectacular as was the owner. Paulina was very knowledgeable and patient as I asked about ingredients. Great gluten free options and the concept from sustainable seafood to family style salads was a unique experience. As a foodie I would say this exceeds my bar and now other restaurants have to live up to this experience. Have not possible! MUST VISIT ATL RESTAURANT
(5)
Chad S.

Food and service was excellent! Joey was our server. I wasn't sure what to get and he was very informative on which way to order each of the types of fish. In the end I told him to surprise me and he came back with a chef special that wasn't on the menu. The fish wasn't even offered as a daily special! My date got the scallops which were very large and good.
(5)
Chris S.

I went to Goin' Coastal for my birthday dinner and thought the meal was excellent! Everything from the relaxed atmosphere to the good service to the phenomenal seafood made for a great occasion. My party of four ordered the squid ink pasta (a special), fried seafood platter, Mahi Mahi prepared with coastal seasoning, and crab cakes. We also had the delicious crab dip appetizer. We all enjoyed our meals thoroughly and will be back again soon. Although the restaurant was busy it never got too loud. Great casual but sophisticated atmosphere. This is the kind of seafood restaurant Atlanta has needed for some time. Give it a try, I promise you will not be disappointed!!
(5)
Rachel W.

The food was amazing, our waitress was exceptional and the prices were great- would totally go back all the time- if I didn't live hundreds of miles away. I had the scallop risotto and they were some of the best I have ever had- and I eat a lot of scallops - they we perfectly cooked and very well seasoned- just the way scallops should be.
(5)
Kai T.

I am a regular at this restaurant. I go there several times a week. Recently I had to go to the emergency room, and have been homebound since. They found out and have not only sent food, they even went to the pharmacy and picked up my prescription for me. The people who work here are great and they really care about the customers. I joined the loyalty program bc of the reward points, but I had no idea how much they really do appreciate loyalty. I recommended them to everyone before this, now i only wish yelp had q way to give 6 stars.
(5)
Andrew D.

I am always pleasantly surprised at goin coastal. I go expecting a fine meal, great service and innovative presentation. However, I always get more than I expected. From the owner to the servers to the chefs to the bartenders, everyone strives to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. Go here...you will NOT be disappointed. I have made it my goal to take new people here on each visit. So far, everyone has vowed to return. This restaurant is a gem!
(5)
Wayne R.

An excellent find for seafood lovers who want more upscale than Six Feet Under. Give it a try.
(4)
Jennifer N.

Seafood in Atlanta isn't good. Unless its fried, then that takes the not-so-fresh-ness out of it, and so its decent, just like the platter here. You know! Its okay for the Highlands. I am sure these college kids, who know no better, will keep it in business. Just like the tables on either side of me that night which were proclaiming, "where do they catch the swordfish around here?"...really??? not the chatta-hooch! But the service was good. And the drinks were okay.
(2)
Dia D.

We had a very nice dinner here. The place is casual but nice. Our server was friendly and the food arrived quickly. They serve warm jalapeÃ±o corn bread with dinner. I had the shrimp and grits which included lots of shrimp. The lobster roll and fries were good also.
(4)
Jerry L.

Date night in Atlanta, the waitress is extremely friendly and helpful. Good was awesome. The place was little small but it was really charming. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Alex M.

This is a good place for a nice dinner with the family. The evening got off to a bit of a rocky start because there was some difficulty finding a parking spot, but everything was well once we snagged a spot on the street and sat down for dinner. The space itself is very small but cozy; there were at least a few young children there, so it's pretty family friendly. Our waitress, Paige, was very sweet and friendly. She kept everyone's glasses full and was attentive but not overbearing, and she was helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. She also told us the story behind the restaurant - all of their fish is fresh caught (as in within 36 hours) through sustainable fishing methods. Harpoons and lines only, no nets. They had a wide selection of fresh fish available and four preparation options: coastal, miso, parmesan, and blackened. Additionally, they have other menu dishes available, both surf and turf. We started with the tuna poke, which was Hawaiian tuna marinated in a sweet chili sauce and served on crispy wontons with seaweed salad - it was tasty and a good portion size for the three of us. For the main courses, I got the monk fish (ugly but really delicious) which had thicker, buttery flesh, almost like a lobster. I got it coastal, so it was served with savory garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. My dad got the yellowfin tuna coastal as well, and my mom got crab legs. These were thick and juicy; as for my dad's dinner I can't weigh in on the taste because he cleaned his plate, but he definitely seemed to enjoy it. Of the three, mine was probably the best dish if the number of forks poking at it was any indication. All in all, the meal was delicious but rather pricey. The menu items are reasonable, but the fresh fish is expensive. We ended up skipping dessert, but our waitress said most people pop next door for gelato. I'll have to keep that in mind for when I stop in next time.
(4)
guido s.

We were really annoyed that our reservation was not honored at the time slot we made, using the excuse "we're a small restaurant, etc etc.." Almost 30 minutes after waiting (there's nowhere to wait, which added to our frustration), we finally got a table after raising a stink to the manager. I hate to feel like the bad guy, but we almost left to never come back after such a terrible introduction. The manager came over and bent over backwards to make us feel appreciated to be there after their error. Our original dismay was gracefully corrected, thanks to the awesome management, and dinner was now on! All the dishes were perfect! So good! Albeit a little pricey, it's well worth its value, service, presentation, and everything else. A cute place with great food! The oysters were awesome too. Go here and enjoy some unique dishes that make independent restaurants such a fine treat to enjoy.
(5)
Tracie J.

I enjoyed a wonderful birthday meal at Goin' Coastal though I didn't get what I went there for. More on that later. We didn't have reservations, but we were seated right away. The only problem was we were seated near the windows and a door and it was freezing. Our server greeted us promptly and was very friendly. I almost took off a star just because of that, but the food more than made up for it. For dinner, it was my intention to get the $15 lobster dinner, but they were sold out of it already. Guess you have to get there before 7:30. So I settled on lobster tacos with mashed potatoes and the hub ordered fried shrimp with 2 sides. All I can say is those were the best shrimp I've had since I've been in Atlanta. Yum!! The lobster tacos were also very delicious, and the corn salsa on top was great. Can't wait to go back and try some other menu items.
(4)
Kim W.

Had heard about this place for a while and finally got a chance to check it out for a friend's birthday dinner the other night. Surprisingly busy for a Monday, but they feature $20 Maine lobsters on Mondays. I tried to order one, but was told they ran out. Wasn't a big deal although I did see quite a few come out of the kitchen after that. Oh well. Everything we had was delicious. Our table had the crab dip as an app, highly recommend. Entrees included the lobster mac, shrimp & grits and low country boil. All good, all I would gladly order again. Our server was great, and I really like the casual, beachy atmosphere of this place. All the seafood seems really fresh, and they have a nice and approachable wine list to boot. We had a pinot noir that we loved and also try the basil limeade cocktail. All in all a great place that I'm eager to go back to.
(4)
Jennifer N.

The Dining Divas Dinner Club gives this place two thumbs up! We loved the variety, fresh seafood, and the overall look and feel of the place. Each of us enjoyed what we ordered are sampled each others meals as well. Not a big place and it gets pretty loud but that's what makes it casual and fun. Valet parking is an option if you can't find parking on the street. Our server was helpful and really sweet. She went above and beyond to ensure that we got the best group photo. No real food recommendations since the menu changes frequently.
(4)
Hui-Kuo S.

Took the family to celebrate my wife's birthday last Thursday. Had a late reservation at 8:20p. The restaurant still had quite a few people there which is always a good sign. Server got our drink order pretty quickly but then seem to forget about us for a while. If it wasn't for this, I would be giving a 5 star rating. We shared mussels and baked clam with stuffed crab as our appetizers and both were really good. Entrees were also excellent. I had the Lobster Mac which many have said that they liked. It was really good as advertised. It was really rich (almost too much) and the portion was almost too large for me to finish. My wife got the fresh catch Sailfish. She wanted the Grouper but they had run out. I did try some of her dish and thought that it was really good as well. Daughter got the Scallop Risotto. Again, everything was really fresh and delicious with a very good portion size as well. Would definitely return.
(4)
Mark C.

Great rainbow and speckled trout baked and blackened respectively! Nice waitress, all around great experience....everytime!
(5)
Rachael W.

We had a reservation here for 7:30pm on a Saturday night. Upon checking in, we were told it would be about a 15-20 minute wait because "people are hanging out too long after finishing their meal." There were about 25 people waiting for a table. Unfortunately, they only have enough space for about 10 people to wait comfortably. We elbowed our way to the bar and luckily someone was getting up at that exact moment so we scored a chair. The bartender was phenomenal - even though he was absolutely slammed, he took the time to make a wine recommendation and even let me sample it before choosing. We were seated after about 35 minutes (not 15-20) at a table overlooking the street, which was great, since the VaHi streets are always interesting. Our waittress was also amazing. She comped us our drinks from the bar due to our wait and was very helpful in making food selections. We had the crab and shrimp dip to start. It had an amazing flavor, there were a couple of chunks of cream cheese in there, but who doesn't love cheese? My bf had the steak (I know, at a seafood restaurant, smh!) but it was AMAZING. One of the best steaks we've had in Atlanta and comparable to Bones or another ritzy steakhouse, but much cheaper. I had the lobster mac and cheese. Absolutely no skimping on the lobster, there were HUGE chunks of meat and the flavor was out of this world. Pros: Food is amazing, happening neighborhood hotspot, wonderful customer service from bar and waitstaff Cons: Need to figure out a better solution for people waiting, and they're definitely overscheduled. We saw a couple that had been waiting for their reservation for almost an hour and he was cursing the hostess. Not cool, bro, but the situation could have been avoided with better planning by the restaurant. Hostess seemed pretty frazzled (who can blame her?) and that is a position that needs to be filled by someone who can handle the pressure. Still, a wonderful experience and probably my new favorite spot.
(5)
Karr W.

I went here a couple of days before thanksgiving. This cozy little spot is cozy and perfect for date night. Everyone was friendly and smiled, all the staff I mean. My friend and I had the spicy peel and eat shrimp, delicious. I had the salmon, Parmesan style and it was scrumptious. I has potatoes and spinach for my sides both awesome and seasoned to perfection. One of the best salmons I have ever had. I will be back
(5)
Laura H.

My husband treated me to dinner for my birthday last night, and we are still talking about what a wonderful experience it was! We used a Loaf Deal, but even without it the prices are very reasonable for the quality and quantity of the food! The restaurant is attractive, comfortable, and clean. The staff were all very friendly and knowledgeable. I had questions about two of the week's offerings (tile fish and wolf fish), and our server described them both expertly. There are weekly specials in keeping with the freshest available seafood, but enough regular menu items to keep less-adventurous folks happy as well. We ordered the crab dip appetizer, which would have easily satisfied the appetites of four people! It was hands down the best crab dip I've ever had. I ordered the blackened Icelandic wolf fish; it was cooked to absolute perfection! My husband went the traditional route with the fried catfish. The portion size was enormous, and the fish was delicious! Complementary corn bread was a welcome surprise (though we wished we hadn't filled up on so much bread with our appetizer!). Sadly, we left no room for dessert, but there's always next time. And there will definitely be a next time! One note, the place is fairly small, so reservations are a good idea, especially on the weekends.
(5)
Suzanne M.

We called at 3pm for a Saturday night reservation and the restaurant was very accommodating. The food was delicious and waitress and staff very friendly and warm. I ordered seafood risotto, baked tile fish, and cod- all amazing. We especially enjoyed mussels as appetizer. Would recommend to anyone! A little noisy.
(5)
Nancy R.

I've been wanting to come here since it first opened, but never had the chance. The only problem is parking which is always the case down in VA-Hi. It's a small restaurant so be sure to make reservations. FOOD: The salad of mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette is delicious! For dinner I had the Coastal Bowl which is Wild American shrimp, PEI mussels, scallops, oysters, and seasonal fish simmered in fish tomato stock with andouille sausage, potatoes and corn. Yummy! It may be a little pricey($26), but with a piece of crusty bread for dipping it's a big dish enough to share for two. It's such a nice dish for a chilly night.
(4)
Cole O.

We were sitting at the bar last night having dinner when the head chef came over to us and said "Stop being so loud or I'll snap your neck" Really? Saying that to a patron? This place is at the top of my street, and I've been many times - they just lost a customer.
(1)
Kate N.

My husband and I came for $5/dozen raw oyster Wednesday night! We fell in love! The oysters were good (but of course can't compare to our usual raw oysters at John Besh's restaurant Happy Hour in New Orleans) But it was good enough to satisfy our cravings. We also ordered the Pan Seared Sea Bass and the Lobster Roll. My husband LOVED his Sea Bass. Done perfectly. We're always hesitant to order fish because most of the time it's overdone! But Goin' Coastal did it JUST RIGHT! I LOVEDDDD my Lobster Roll!!! Took me back to Luke's Lobster in NYC!!! Also LOVED the Corn Bread Pudding with Jalapeno. The Jalapeno gave it a nice kick of spice!! We'll definitely be back!
(4)
Liane H.

Even though we live within walking distance, my boyfriend and I have somehow never been to Goin' Coastal's Virginia Highland location. After trying the amazing tuna poke at the Taste of the Highlands a few months ago, we knew we had to go and we finally did last night. We sat at the bar, intending to get a cocktail (the signature martini, which was delicious with lavender and toasted lemon) and ended up staying all night due to Bash and Chase's terrific service and the wonderful atmosphere. The customers who were at the bar were all regulars, and everyone (staff and customers) was so nice. The kitchen is open, so we were able to watch the chef shuck our scallops (an appetizer special, and possibly the best scallops I have ever had) right in front of us. They had my favorite Sauvignon Blanc by the glass, which is always nice. For our other appetizers, we had the shrimp bisque, which was perfect and had a great cinnamon-y crouton, followed by mussels in a surprisingly light and delicious sauce, and the tuna poke (again, amazing). Although we completely overdid it on the appetizers, we ordered entrees as well - and on Bash's recommendation my fiance had the Best. Flounder. Ever. It was blackened and served with a red pepper beurre blanc over mashed potatoes with collard greens and every bite was delicious (I know, because I took most of them). I ordered the lobster mac and cheese, and it was perfectly crispy on top with tons of lobster meat inside - also amazing. We ended up taking it to go and it held up really well, too. (Yes, it's already gone.) When we were about to leave, the bartender gave us his card (genius) and told us to text him when we were coming in next time and he would reserve seats for us. He also said that he would pick up bleu cheese on his way to work to make bacon and bleu cheese stuffed olives for our martinis since I'm not a big fan of pimento. I can honestly say that I have never had such great service before, and we are definitely planning on becoming regulars ourselves. A few tips - Get there early for a seat, the restaurant is small and fills up quickly. Ask questions (if we hadn't, we wouldn't have gotten to taste the awesome flounder). And sit at the bar!
(5)
Ramon D.

I was first introduced to Goin' Coastal during a business stay in Canton, GA. That location is great and I had some excellent food while there. Fast forward two years and I finally got a chance to visit the Atlanta location and they've somehow managed to capture the same feel and taste of the Canton location which is perfect! I decided to host my birthday party and the staff of Goin' Coastal was amazing for my part of 20. Not once did they complain that only 8 of us actually showed up on time and that we locked down the restaurant for over 3 hours - nope they actually gave us A+ service the entire time and all 20 of us enjoyed our time there. I'll definitely recommend Goin' Coastal to anyone!
(5)
Lizzie P.

Recently went with a party of six and we all got something different. Every item was spectacular and the spicy Bloody Mary was perfect. The chef stopped by and asked if we needed anything and ever-fantastic Craig took great care of us again. I seriously love this place. See y'all there Sunday!
(5)
Carol B.

I'm a huge seafood lover and wanted to try a new restaurant. I came across Goin' Coastal and decided to give it a try. So myself, my husband and my daughter went to the restaurant. Before going I read a lot of good reviews so I had high expectations, but I was very disappointed. To begin with the street parking is virtually impossible, I had to drive around 3 or 4 times waiting for someone to leave a parking space on the street so that I could park. Without having a reservation I chose to sit at the bar which actually worked out very well because the table seating was so close together it looked very crowded and uncomfortable. It's a very small restaurant, but most importantly it's the quality of the food that really matters. I ordered the seafood combo which consisted of fried shrimp, oysters and catfish. When the food was delivered it looked like a big plate of over cooked fried stuff stacked on top of each other, the execution & plating of the food was just terrible. I think they just threw all the food in the same deep fry basket and then dumped it on the plate. The food was totally tasteless, there was no seasoning whatsoever, it was the blandest food I had ever tasted! And it was not fresh! This is the 1st time I wish I could get my money back!
(1)
Kristen M.

Delicious!!! Have been craving the San Marzano baked Swordfish since I've been. Sat at the bar and Joe was awesome. Was also really cool to watch the chef crank out all those meals in one little station. No doubt I'll be back!
(5)
Mell M.

A friend and I were in for the first time 3 weeks ago. We loved everything about it. So, we came back the following week. Not only was the food still as awesome, our server Cat, recommended perfect beverages, appetizers and entrees when asked. She was even better than our first server, who was not bad by any means. So, I'm taking my cousin tonight to celebrate her new job. If you all are looking for great food, drinks from a spot that cares about our oceans this is the spot. And ask forCat, she was totally awesome.
(5)
Beth A.

I'm in love with this place! The food is absolutely amazing and the people are wonderful! The shrimp and crab dip is a MUST! The corn bread melts in your mouth...it's the best! The scallops are insanely delicious too. They have some great mixed drinks...I'm sure their desserts are excellent but I am always so stuffed when I leave that I don't get a chance to try them! I can't wait for my next visit, nice job Goin' Coastal!
(5)
Melanie S.

Small and inadequate...I left feeling empty and hungry. It feels like a discount restaurant until you get the bill which sets you back to reality. There is nothing special about this place. Liked it better when it was Figo pasta.
(3)
Lee B.

Made a reservation for Goin' Coastal on a Saturday night. Though it was very crowded in the front, we were seated right away. The restaurant is pretty small, so that was definitely a good thing. We were given some complimentary jalapeno cornbread to start off with, which was delicious. It was sweet (which I like in a cornbread) and the jalapenos gave it a kick, but they weren't overpowering at all. We started out with an order of mussels. They were $10 and in a huge bowl with two huge, huge chunks of bread for sopping up the broth. These were some of the biggest mussels I'd ever seen and the broth was delicious too, though very buttery (which is probably what made it so good.) Our waiter kinda-sorta forgot to take our order until after we finished our appetizer (we think) but it was okay, he was kind of frazzled. The way this place works is that they have a chalkboard of the daily fish and if you order one of those, you can choose from four preparation styles. They had about 8 different types of fish on the chalkboard including mahi-mahi, salmon, cod, lobster and tile fish. They also have another big section of the menu for other seafood type dishes that aren't fish and then also a smaller section that has a few meat/chicken dishes. I was there with my mother and husband. My mother and I both ordered the mahi-mahi, but I had mine prepared miso and she had hers prepared baked. My husband ordered the low country shrimp boil. Mine came out in a big bowl, with lots of bok choy and broth. I really liked it. My mothers, however, was sort of in a casserole dish with lots of stewed tomatoes and lots of oil. It was not that great. While I was happy with what I ordered, I would not have been happy with the baked style. It was just very greasy. My husband's low country boil was good and a ton of food. He's normally a clear his plate type of guy and he had 4 shrimp to take home, after giving one to me and my mom. The restaurant was a little claustrophobic and a little loud for my tastes but all in all pretty good. Though if I'd ordered the oily baked style of fish , I might have had a totally different review.
(4)
Braden T.

Pretty good, but extremely busy. We went there around 815 on a Friday night, when every other restaurant was quoting wait times over 45 minutes. We walked in and they told it would be less than 10 minutes. Odd. We grabbed a couple of cocktails (basil limeaid - light on the syrup, which I enjoyed), and before long, we were sitting at one of those two-tops which are crammed in a line so that everyone can hear each others conversation. The waiter was a really nice guy, but literally covered in sweat from how hard he was working. The restaurant had too many tables and too little work staff. The hostess was sitting tables one after the other and they were pumping people through, with dishes arriving only a few minutes after ordering. So we self-paced the meal, waiting for a while after receiving our appetizers to order entrees, which I highly recommend. I got the Maine lobster (cooked well, very tasty) with a side of sautÃ©ed spinach (way too salty). My wife ordered the Mahi Coastal, which she enjoyed. Overall, it was a pretty good experience in terms of food, but how rushed it was made me feel like we were in a far less expensive restaurant. The food was pretty good, but not amazing. And the cramped seating made me a bit uncomfortable the whole time, since the people sitting beside us had nothing to say to each other.
(3)
Meg C.

I stand by my good as it gets-- I've been back almost every Wednesday since my initial review and I just can't get enough of this place! I got to meet Seth in person, and he reminds me a lot of a chef I used to work with, and depending on the night I can grab a table or go up and sit at the bar and chat it up with Joey, the best bartender in Atlanta! Since you last heard from me, I have tried... Mussels-- yum. I love me a bowl of mussels and these do not disappoint! No grit or rubber in these bad boys! Scallop Appetizer-- I wanted to eat these for the rest of my life, the only place I've had scallops that were the same or better is fresh off the boat on the North Carolina coast! They melted in my mouth like butter.. I'm hungry just thinking about them! Lobster Mac-- this isn't your usual mac'n'cheese with some lobster sprinkled, this bad boy boasts CHUNKS of lobster! When the boat came out, I was a little skeptical about the size of the portion, but it was deceiving... not nearly as small as it looked! I managed to get through most of it when my server told me he's never seen anyone finish off a lobster mac! Shrimp and Grits-- Best shrimp and grits I've ever had, hands down, here or Savannah! So creamy, so delicious, I'm getting even hungrier now! Risotto-- This is seriously the creamiest meal I've ever tried; if you're looking for rich and luxurious, the buck stops with the risotto! Bowl-- The Bowl is the best thing ever, it's like some genius mix of frutti de mare and jambalaya. Loaded with seafood, veggies, and served with a big hunk of crusty-yet-soft bread it's going to be hard not to pick this one up again before I try something else on the menu! I can't wait to keep going back and trying more stuff. Now I just have to decide between the Tasso Scallops and the filet... (yes, I love the red meat as much as I love the sea!)
(5)
Mark J.

We started with 12 raw oysters on the half-shell, glass of wine and a Maker's/soda. Our meals were the steamed crab legs (a large amount not stingy at all) and the Lobster Mac & Cheese. All was fantastic. I'm glad I tried the lobster mac and cheese - it's extremely hearty and rich with the baked fontina, parmesan and cheddar cheeses. I'll definitely head back to this restaurant -- lots of fresh fish on the menu and on special. Can't forget the outstanding service!
(3)
Anastasia T.

Went there on Sunday during restaurant week and they (staff and kitchen) obviously overwhelmed. I applaud their commitment to sustainability and I think it is worthy of the extra $...But I wish their food was as good as the menu was promising. The chowder was excellent. The corn-bread was fluffy and moist, definitely not spicy though (I did not mind that). The wine list was good as well. Now, for appetizers we had the shrimp and (not sure what else) dip cause they were out of crabcakes. It was average, and nothing you cannot find in a chain restaurant. The flash-fried avocado appetizer was very interesting (in a good way) but, boy, did that dish need something crunchy to go with it. Two of us could not finish it and not because it was a huge portion...it was because after the first couple of bites, the taste got old. My date ordered to swordfish with hush puppies but they also ran out of hush puppies (!) so he went with the grits. No me, a non Southerner, me is not a grits fan in general. Those were OK to good, but still did not beat the best grits I had (which was at Empire State South). The fish was excellent (if you like swordfish). I ordered the shrimp risotto and it was fine, but forgettable (the shrimp was very well cooked, though, which is not very common in restaurants). But if you ever had the risotto at Sotto Sotto you would agree, I believe, that it was much better. Last, our server was a little over-bearing. I mean I'd like to put my fork down before I am asked whether I am done with my plate. Will we go again? Yes. I'd love to see (taste) what they can do with other fish (especially ahi tuna and salmon). But I was overall a little disappointed. PS. They have several weekly specials, like $20 lobster Sundays etc., which sound like good ideas
(3)
Nicole S.

Not only was the food amazing but so was the service! Paige took great care of us. When I inquired about the recipe for the soup she actually asked the chef and he was kind enough to give it to us. Great food! Great service! Great atmosphere! I had a great birthday dinner. Thank you Goin Coastal!
(5)
Paula S.

Full disclosure, I'm a native New Englander. I grew up on the coast and before moving to Atlanta I lived less than 1 mile from the ocean, so seafood is definitely something I'm pretty picky about. When my husbands parents (also from NE) came to visit we were stumped on where to bring them. They only eat seafood, no meat, and are super healthy, so typical southern fare was out. We decided to try Goin Coastal because 1. it was all seafood and 2. they had great preparation options from decadent to fairly clean. The restaurant itself was cute and in the awesome Vi-Hi neighborhood. The food was fantastic and pretty fresh! So far this is the only place I'd recommend for fish in ATL!
(4)
Tawni F.

What a hidden gem! I went two weeks ago as a birthday treat for a special friend and we loved it! The food, the drinks, and the service were A +! You must, and I mean must try the shrimp and blue crab cheese dip.
(5)
Heather N.

Went for Sunday Supper, because who doesn't love a great special, plus other restaurant options are fairly limited for Sundays. And it might have been a great deal if we didn't end up paying $16 for two draft beers. The prices for draft aren't listed on the menu, but the other beer options were all about $4. Somehow we got a special one that was eight ducats. It was damn good, but I would have appreciated a heads up on that one. The greeting and service seemed sincere and comforting. I would probably return for the food but not the set supper, because I didn't like the dessert, and would have chosen different sides. CORN & SHRIMP SOUP: was very tasty-a strange blend of a tomato base with julienned carrots & corn and not a shrimp to be found. The base was very seafoody, so I guess that is where the shrimp came in. FRIED SHRIMP: Deliciously crispy, not greasy, batter tasted a bit of curry. Nice. SIDES: Jalapeno cornbread pudding was dense and overly cheesy, but Mr. A liked it. Greens were standard. Cold green bean salad was fine. Cornbread was light and fluffy, more like cake than bread. DESSERT: Dense brownie with chocolate chips and Hershey's syrup. It was yucky, and was homemade but reminded me of costco. I am keen on the sustainable aspect, but something felt chain-like about this place. Want to try that $15 lobster, tho, so will be back. Cheers~
(3)
Laura H.

Located in the heart of the Highlands, you would never guess that this sustainable seafood restaurant has been open for less than a year. It has a warm neighborhood feel to it already and is brimming with friendly people. It's safe to say that we were the only group of girls there, as most of the diners were couples or groups of couples. Our server, Mikey, was friendly and informative, and it wasn't long before my friend disclosed that he looked really familiar and oh, they grew up together. The cocktail menu caught my eye right away and I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. I started with the honeydew and mint cooler (vodka, honeydew, mint) and it was delicious. Over the course of the night, I tried my friend's jalapeno margarita, the basil limeade, and the apricot & ginger martini. Yes, there was a lot of drinking going on. We made friends with several couples at the table across from us, and they gave us copious amounts of wine before they left, so that's where my "beware of strangers & free wine" headline came from. For dinner, I had the lobster club sandwich, which came with a side of fries. I would definitely order it again. The fries were perfectly seasoned, and oh, the cornbread that they brought out to start was de-licious. Don't miss that. They have a regular menu and a plethora of daily specials on the chalkboard, so if you're with a group that likes seafood, then there's something for everyone. I will be back for their $15 lobster dinner (served M-W)... sooner rather than later!
(4)
Lori F.

Had an overall great meal here this past weekend. We arrived on time for our reservation, but were strangely seated at a 6 top (for 2 of us). Slightly awkward as the hostess kept borrowing chairs from our table to move to others, when we could have just waited a short amount of time for a smaller table. Next, our server took a while to come to the table, then abruptly left before we could get a drink order in - this continued to be a trend throughout the night. However, the other servers and chef more than made up for the lack of service he provided. Started off with some cocktails: my husband ordered a delicious basil limeade (vodka, basil simple syrup, basil) and my champagne cocktail was spot on with just the right amount of bitters. We ordered the special appetizer of Ameripure oysters on the half shelf - nice and briny and shucked well. For dinner my husband had the mahi mahi with a sort of jalapeno corn pudding (yum!) and broccoli. Unfortunately, the mahi came out pretty raw on the inside. Since we couldn't find our server, another young woman came to our rescue, the chef apologized profusely, and he bought us another round of drinks for our trouble (unbeknownst to our missing server). Once that was straightened out, the mahi was delish and I wholeheartedly enjoyed my low country platter - a heaping pile of crab legs, shrimp, andouille links, corn, and new potatoes. Finally we finished off with a desert of krispy kreme bread pudding. Yes, you must get it. I don't even like bread pudding, but this was so good. Overall I had a great meal despite our server's flakiness - the food was excellent and it's a great option for seafood intown.
(4)
Ray L.

This place is SO good. And the fact that it's eco-friendly? Have to give it five stars. First thing out was the cornbread, which isn't your traditional cornbread, but so much better. It's not hearty or coarse as you might expect, but light, fluffly and cake-like. It had just the right amount of sweetness and melted in your mouth. To start, we ordered the oyster combo. I'm not even big on oysters, but oh my god these were amazing. The oyster itself was melt-in-your-mouth amazing, but each of the three variations of flavors was just superb. To be honest, I didn't read the menu description, so I can't tell you exactly what was on each one. But there was one topped with lobster and some type of curry butter (my favorite). Another withs spinach and bacon. And another with mushrooms and caramelized onions. Absolutely amazing and perfect for sharing between two people. I ordered one of the specials for my entree: the red grouper cooked in parchment paper with caramelized shallots and some kind of amazingly seasoned butter. So much flavor and yet not too rich - you could still taste the pureness and freshness of the fish. On the side I had the daily vegetable (which was zucchini) and the roasted potatoes (really good). There was also some kind of "tartar" sauce - I hate to call it that, because it was worlds better than tartar. I didn't think my fish needed it, but I ended up dipping some potatoes in it, and it was really good. I really recommend this place. I had a great time and thought everything was beyond solid.
(5)
Vivian W.

I braved the rain and Atlanta traffic the other day for an awesome dinner at Goin Coastal and I have to say it was totally worth it! $15 for a lobster with two sides, plenty of appetizer options and a super-friendly waitstaff....WIN! The restaurant itself was brightly lit, thankfully dry, with a partially open kitchen and plenty of tables and seats at the bar too. We were seated promptly and introduced to the drink and food specials of the day. I ordered the lobster of course, and also got the she-crab soup, alligator nuggets and some oysters as starters. The seafood was super fresh, with good size portions. Bonus for the sustainable seafood movement, as outlined on the walls. All in all I was impressed, and I'll def be back for more!
(5)
Kimberly W.

Awesome. Went with my family of 4 last Friday night. All dishes were fresh, perfectly seasoned and plentiful. Just perfect. The service was prompt, friendly and attentive. My children are 6 and 7 and they were kind enough to make them kid-sized portion of adult entree so they didn't have to split one entree which was really a nice treat! This will become a standard spot for us!
(5)
Tricia F.

This place is fabulous! Out waiter Kat had great food advice, Crystal was our chef that made the best lobster Mac I have ever had. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
LeRue C.

First off, I'm from Virginia and have lived on the East and West Coast. I have lived on the water most of my life and am a self proclaimed seafood connoisseur. When I saw the menu at Goin Coastal it looked really appealing so me and my food crawl buddy decided to head right on down. I started with a specialty cocktail. I cant remember the name but it had Russian Vodka, lime juice, and basil. Sounds great right. It came out and I politely asked the waiter if they forgot to add the Vodka. :) He was said that he was sure that they did but proceeded to take my drink and the bartender fixed it up for me. It came back more than perfect! I ordered the lobster tacos. (18.00) They came with fresh corn salsa and cilantro. I love cilantro laden foods and I love lobster so I figured how could I go wrong. It was pretty good. While lobster is expensive, I just dont think that a tablespoon worth of lobster was the appropriate portion. My friend ordered the crabcakes and was slightly disappointed. They were quite bready. The service was good (although the server tried to explain what Gazpacho was) which is quite annoying when all I asked him if it had a kick. The seafood was a little better than average. If I go back I would have to try one of the several fresh fish of the day.
(3)
Pamela M.

Well I finally got here as a last ditch effort. I had chosen JCT Kitchen over this spot, but the recommendations were higher (and I still plan to visit JCT on my bookmarks) It was Fri Aug 17th, my Dads bday, we had a reservation at 6:30, arrived promptly but as expected, parking was very challenging on a cool evening and everyone on the planet was out there! Lucky for me I know that area pretty well and even though it took me 15 mins to find a place, I did within the neighborhood....let me tell you, its not easy! I'd sent my Dad in to hold our reservation and then my cousin and godsister joined us for the celebration. My first disappointment after reviewing the menu online was,....the menu had changed months ago but Goin Coastal did not update for online, made me quite sad. No lobster/crabcakes, now simply crabcakes, no heart of Romaine Ceasar salad, just the house salad :-(...BUT they at least still have the lobster mac-n-cheese and it was SCRUMPTOUS! Fully loaded oval bowl of steamy, cheesy, loaded with lobster and SUPER hot, tasty mac! This has got to be a signature dish. I did not however like the "JIffy" brand tasting cornbread (too sweet), I prefer hush puppies with seafood. I also had a cucumber, feta & tomato salad, it was ok. Both my Dad and I had Riesling, Dad ordered the fried jumbo shrimp in the famous Goin Coastal breading (light), and a side of coleslaw.... I tasted a shrimp and it was very good and tender. For Dads birthday, he recieved the key lime tart, which was just the right amount of sweet & tart. Our waitress was patient and nice, although I was haggling about the menu change. She did return to explain how the online version was old and they were updating soon.... I would return sometime, but not real soon. I think the menu change took me by surprise. Goin Coastal had a nice evening dinner crowd and one can tell they are very popular in the Virginia Highlands area, that was another reason for me choosen this location. I love Virginia Highlands
(3)
Dio S.

Pretty straight-laced seafood restaurant with a focus on high quality, sustainable ingredients. It's not upscale, but definitely not a fish shack type of place. Feels on the nice side of casual. I've eaten here twice. Food selection and taste are mostly excellent. The gravy on their shrimp and grits was some of the best yet I've tasted in Atlanta. Interesting take in which they cook the shrimps two ways for textural contrast. The massamam curry-like Sullivan Island shrimp dish was solid, though I was expecting more of a Creole flavor. I could see the fisherman's stew being amazing when done right, but the one I tasted was overly salty. Meaty crab/lobster cakes, not bad. The she crab soup was damn good, packed with that intense shellfish flavor, with a respectably substantial consistency. Had a bite of the fresh trout special--also fine. Okay, so I probably wouldn't choose most of the $20 and above entrees over a good bowl of chirashi, but the shrimp and grits I can see myself coming back for again and again. The drink selection is just about right. With a small set of interesting mixed drinks to choose from, and well priced beer and wine menus. Nothing crazy, but definitely not boring. Terrific service. I also like that they open for dinner on Saturday at 4PM, when it's still very nice out. This is just the kind of place Virginia Highland can use.
(4)
Andy H.

Lobster mac and cheese.....can't go wrong! Oysters were good, crab cakes were awesome!
(4)
Rick F.

Love the name! Love the location! Love the concept! New restaurant still working out some of the kinks! Way to noisy! Please add some sound damping material on the ceiling! I'm very happy to have a True Seafood Restaurant in the area! The place was busy on a Friday night! Server was great! The people delivering the food need some training, he didn't know what he was doing and almost knocked everything over on the table. The person making drinks needs to be properly trained to design and build a drink to taste correct in the appropriate sized glass.(not enough vodka LOL!) 1 dozen oysters $12 was a great deal, overall the prices were great! Cornbread excellent, Watermelon soup needs a lot of work! Halibut, Ivory Salmon, Shrimp & Grits were excellent! Sides Jalapeno Cornbread Pudding was good, a little to hot for my taste buds. Corn on the Cobb was just OK! The potatoes were some of the best cooked I've ever had! Owner/Chef came over to the table was genuinely interested in our opinion, told him about the drink issue and he fixed it immediately! We will definitely be back!
(4)
Lenita S.

This was my first visit here, and I have to say it was incredible !!!! We came here with a group of about 15 people for brunch yet still experienced the best time !!!! I don't write reviews as much as I should, so unfortunately I forgot one of the Chef's name. BUT, Chef Jeff and our server Erin were AWESOME !! No matter what crazy concoction we asked for, they gave us a "no problem at all" response. I was particularly having a craving for both Scallops and the Lobster Mac n' cheese, so guess what ? They made me Lobster, Scallop, mac n' cheese !!! I think I invented a new dish !! LOL Nevertheless, I will definitey be back again, and again, and will TELL A FRIEND !!!
(4)
Jennifer K.

My husband and I are pretty new to the neighborhood and while we were exploring the area we ran into this little cute place! We walked in and we were greeted and seated immediately. For the appetizer we shared the (crab) dip, it was cheesy and creamy and delicious! It also came with four large slices of toasted sourdough bread. For entrees, I had the bowl and my husband had the lobster roll. The lobster roll was a lot smaller than we had expected (esp. for $20) but it was good nonetheless especially with the side dish of fries. The bowl, as a seafood lover I loved this dish! The dish was filled with scallops, mussels, shrimp and white chunky fish fillets marinated in thick tomato soup. Overall, it was a great experience. The service was awesome too!
(4)
Jennifer B.

STILL GOING STRONG!! This Place Never disappoints!!! the Scallops are probably the best scallops I've ever eatin, its like Butta!!! I mean it really does make me feel like im near the beach...the seafood is fresh, the atmosphere is laid back, just all around a great place to dine! The Lobster Bisque is dreamy, the Lobster Tail is Rockin, and the Shrimp & Grits are so good, make you want to slap your mama, lol. Also, if you AREN'T a seafood eater, PLEASE try the Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken, what better way to stuff a chicken then with goat cheese!! PERFECTION!!!
(5)
Alex S.

Great, fresh seafood. friendly staff. Interesting Menu. The Lobster Mac-n-Cheese was one of the best my wife ever had! Definitely worth a stop if you are into excellent seafood!
(5)
G B.

I love Goin' Coastal! Last night I had the Low Country Boil for the first time and it was perfect. And as always, the oysters are the best in town hands down. Besides the best seafood in Atlanta, the staff are fantastic! Bash, Joey, Kate, Eric and Chef - thank you for another memorable dinner. Things to know if going for the first time - make a reservation, if you know there's a special that night call ahead and ask to reserve if possible (lobster, oysters, etc - they do run out - because it's that good and they get that busy) street parking is limited - may need to park in nearby neighborhood but it is a very pleasant area, and relax and enjoy a great meal.
(5)
Tramaine W.

Oooh Goin Costal how I wish your food was better. The corn bread was the worst and so was the low country boil platter. The seasoning overpowered the seafood, the butter sucked (tastes a bit sweet) and the crab was not high quality or fresh. It was definitely the worst low country boil I have had and that's including the ones I have had at people's houses. The she crab soup was good, It was very rich but didn't really have identifiable crab pieces. The sangria was also good. The best thing about this place was the staff. The bartender Bob was the most personable bartender I have ever met and he made me feel very comfortable. He could definitely be the bartender at a place you regular who you tell all your business too.
(2)
Brian K.

I'm going to preface this review by stating that I am deathly allergic to seafood - to the point where I can inoculate myself with an EpiPen more proficiently than most people can operate a mechanical pencil. Nonetheless, much like fashionistas will bleed for the opportunity to don the season's chicest handbag, I'll traverse over the threshold of a seafood joint for the sake of culinary pleasure. Food: As can easily be inferred from its namesake, Goin' Coastal specializes in seafood; their primary schtick is that they are a sustainable food joint. In theory, this seems admirable; however, overfishing of some marine species is but a granule of sand in a ocean of more imminent issues threatening the marine ecosystem (pun intended), the most notable of which is green house gas emissions. But I digress; back to the food! Fortunately, for the immunologically weak, Goin' Coastal also offers some turf in additional to an ample supply of surf. During my first visit, I opted for the fried pickle chips as an appetizer and the goat cheese stuffed chicken for an entree. The fried pickle chips were perfectly fried in a light batter and accompanied with a mild, yet flavorful, chipotle cream sauce. The entree was equally as enjoyable; the chicken was perfectly cooked and stuffed with goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, and herbs. The entree was preceded by corn bread and salad, both of which were fairly run-of-the-mill; however, I wasn't expecting much considering that they were both complimentary. Service: Our party of two dined early on a Tuesday evening (6PM) and were one of only three occupied tables in the entire house. When we left around 7:30 PM, the bar area was mostly occupied, but the dining room remained vacant. That being said, the service was not up to par; although friendly, the waitress's presence was sporadic and her knowledge of the menu was limited. Atmosphere: Mildly reminiscent of a New England bistro. The dining area is intimate and artfully decorated; however, seating is limited, so there isn't much space in between the tables. The restaurant also has a sizable bar area, which was mostly being used for dining rather than drinking. Cost: Moderately priced, but worth the cost. Appetizers cost between $6 and $15, while entrees cost between $16 and $25. Sides are all a la carte at $3 each. Other: Due to the size and popularity of the venue, reservations are a must on the weekends. Also, similar to most establishments in Virginia Highland, parking is not an easy feat at Goin' Coastal. They do have valet parking available during the weekends and the lot next to Yeah Burger is also a viable options. However, for the most part, your best option is to park on Virginia St. or one of the surrounding side streets.
(4)
Juan M.

We had a splendid time. If you can get past the environmentalism (really, it is overkill), it's really cool. We were with another couple that was OTP and knew we'd get some rolled eyes, but EACH and EVERY item on the menu had some green angle to it. I like and respect it, but we had dinner companions already without Jacque Cousteau (note: he's dead) jamming his massive Gallic nose in our evening. We had a delightful bottle of AlbariÃ±o to accompany our meal - pricey, but we'll be back!
(4)
Dave D.

Clearly and easily one of the best restaurants anywhere. The food is always excellent, the service is top notch. Always fresh and they will gladly tweak anything to meet your needs. The only place that compares to Goin' Coastal in Va Hi is the sister Goin' Coastal in Canton. Love both of them and I eat there at least twice a week.
(5)
Brandi R.

The food....the bartender...the ambience. Loved it all. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Autumn N.

Tried a special here made with alligator sausage atop a beautiful white fish. It was perfect. Cute little, sustainable seafood place in a cute residential neighborhood. We loved our meal here and the complimentary salad was delicious (the dressing is SOOO good).
(4)
Paul S.

Nice little seafood restaurant in Virginia Highlands. I'd say a step above the norm, but still not fine dining. Comfortable atmosphere with a very nice staff. The chalkboard specials sounded nice, but we ended up sticking with a few of the apps to try more dishes in one sitting. The pickle chips, lobster crab cakes, and mussels were all good. The Crab Fritters on the hand were extremely bland and lacking cheese. The highlight of the meal was definitely the mussels. Good broth along with small bits of andouille sausage. A few of my mussels weren't open, but not enough to say anything. Overall, the restaurant seems like a neighborhood hangout. My one complaint is at the front door. the bug fan that blows you away upon entering the restaurant was a bit of a turn off. I don't know if it's health inspector regulated due the kitchen's proximity to the front door, but there's got to be another alternative. You open the door and get blasted with cold air, quite unpleasant. I'd come back. I'm interested in trying the lobster roll special they have on the weekends.
(4)
Georgia S.

Food was good, but nothing special. We go regularly when we are in the VA Highlands area. Be prepared to spend a bit of time to find a place to park. Be prepared to make reservations and wait, even with reservations. The place is tiny and with or without reservations, you'll probably have to wait. The front area, where the hostess is located, is not large enough for more than 4 or 5 people to wait. The bar is tiny, as well, and always packed and also reserved for diners. It is a full bar, but a very, very limited beer menu, and if I remember correctly, the beer cost $8 a bottle. And NO, it wasn't anything imported that would cost anywhere near that at any other restaurant. We'd never purchase another beer from them since the selection is so limited and the price is so ridiculous. Again, I'd recommend the place but don't expect anything great. The food is a bit over-priced for what you get. In other words: you get very, very, very meager portions. Their specials are normally good, so listen to your server's recommendations.
(3)
Ziggy S.

My favorite restaurant in Atlanta. Perfect service, perfect meals, and perfect quality. I usually go for the seafood bowl, but I will often try their other dishes. Their grilled scallops are so good they'll make you ... (insert hyperbole here). Monday night is Maine lobster night and it don't get no better than that. A 1 & 1/2 pound steamed lobster with a cold bottle of beer is heaven. Friendly, cozy and good... what more can be said?
(5)
Glenn G.

Updating my last rating with another star for the owner staying in tune to customer feedback and caring. Looking forward to our next visit.
(4)
Maggie S.

Delicious, fresh food! Busy atmosphere and a bit pricey, but the food made up for any noise and bustle. We started with creamy lobster and crab dip, which came out bubbling fresh from the oven. So amazing for a cheese lover! My main course was baked amberjack, and it was perfectly cooked. It was almost stew-like, with roasted garlic, tomatoes and carrots. Dessert was a krispy creme bread pudding. OMG. You MUST try it, it was sinful and comforting, not too sweet. Overall, a great experience!
(4)
Elyn M.

This was the 4th or 5th time we've eaten here since it opened. We came specifically for the $15 lobster special before it disappeared! We were also here for the Mardi Gras crawfish boil as well as a couple of dinners. First, a note about parking--there is a $3 valet. If you choose to use metered parking, note that the City has contracted out its parking meters and they are very aggressive about ticketing. The food has been uniformly excellent when we've been here (and if they're serving the krispy kreme bread pudding it is a must--surprisingly light tasting and not too sweet!) One of the things we have been pleased with is attitude. A few times we've come as a 2-top, ordered 2 glasses of wine and an appetizer and split both entree and dessert. We have never been rushed along or made to feel like the restaurant had a better use for the table. We're in the neighborhood so we eat here on the early side and generally on a weeknight.
(4)
Terry G.

Have dined here twice - once at the bar and once in the dining room. Great food both times and excellent, convivial service both times. The atmosphere is very casual and the space is quite small so be prepared for a little jostling around on a busy night. The bar staff is excellent at greeting folks and making them feel welcome. Joey is a delight and when sitting at the bar adds a whole new dimension to your experience. The guy I assume is the owner was expediting both night we visited and is really on top of everything that is happening...making sure waiting patrons got comp'd sangria, ensuring our entrees were slowed down as we lingered over apps/salad. I also overheard him comp the meal of the guy sitting next to me. He was a regular and hadn't raved about his last meal so the owner wanted to make it up. The vibe is fun and lively, maybe even a little raucous at times which we loved. But if you want a more subdued dining experience sit in one of the booths. Oh, and the food! Excellent both visits. My hubby is addicted to the lobster Mac and cheese. We've had the oysters Rockefeller, shrimp, scallops and lobster special all of which we enjoyed. Love the moist cornbread they serve, too. I think the wine list could be improved a bit - had trouble finding a red by the glass that I really liked. Prices are reasonable - it's seafood in VaHi so it isnt going to be cheap.
(4)
Amy E.

They were late seating us for our reservation due to a few tables hanging out for a extended period after they finished eating. The management and staff totally made up for it. The food was amazing!! We loved everything we ordered. Chris, our server, was great. This is our new favorite in the highlands!
(5)
Jessica O.

We generally enjoyed our visit to Goin' Coastal, but looking back, it was just OK. Parking is valet across the street for $3, which is good. They had our reserved table ready quickly, also good. Service was great, informative and attentive. The cornbread they give each table is pretty good and is a nice touch. However, the food and drinks were just OK, nothing fabulous, and for the prices, I expected fabulous. The prices are like an upscale joint, where this is really pretty casual/low key. At around $25 per entree, I have just had better food other places. I appreciate that this place is sustainable/local, but not enough to pay $25-40 per person to go back.
(3)
Wade B.

930 reservation seated 1015 not a good start but this happens with small places on busy nights when tables hang around long past eating. They seated as fast as they could and were very professional. They compt some items for good will Always appreciated. Now for the important part. I will preface by saying I am a seafood snob. I catch a lot of my own and eat fresh , work in New Orleans and eat at some of the best fresh seafood places in Nola, grew up in eastern nc with fresh seafood, deep sea fish 3 times a year -fresh snapper grouper trigger fish. I am almost always disappointed when I eat seafood out because it is expensive and not as good as I cook. It was Friday my sons birthday so no meat for the Catholics. Our meals were PERFECT. The steamed shrimp were some of the best I have ever eaten , cooked perfectly and the difference between wild caught and farm raised is appreciated. I had the signature bowl, as good as any seafood broth I have eaten in San Fran, Portland, Boston , Seattle, Alaska ... Hearty full of flavor .the bread for dipping was excellent. The family style salad and corn bread is a nice touch to go with the meals. Yes they run out of items but this is to be expected for this type of place that serves only the freshest. This is now on my list of go to places, worth every penny.
(5)
Lisa A.

Wow, review 600!! I had been waiting to write a positive review for #600 but had not really had any 5 star experiences lately. Luckily I finally got around to trying Going Coastal and I loved it!! Cute small space but not too crowded. Reminds me a lot of a place I would find in SF, so that is always a big plus for me. We went for dinner on a Sat night at 8:30pm and arrived a little early, so we grabbed a cocktail at the bar, and it was good. Short time later we were taken to out table. The tables are close enough that you can easily strike up a conversation with the people next to you, but not so close that you feel you are eating with them! We stared with the fritters and they were excellent. Husband has the Tile Fish and loved it. I don't really care for fish, but went back for a second bite of this dish, which I never do, I git the fried shrimp which had regular large shrimp but also rock shrimp and it was awesome. Not greasy at all and for sides I for the garlic mashed potato's and the jalapeno cornbread. It was a ton of food, but we manged to eat it all and even finished up with a Key Lime cupcake with tequila frosting, YUMMY!! I think GC is a great place @ a very reasonable price. Our meal with 1 bottle of wine was $93.00 before tip and we were stuffed. Our server was great too, wish I could remember her name! We have been to some of the other top seafood restaurants in ATL and thought they were just OK, especially because they have all been so $$$. Going Coastal will be the only spot we go to for seafood for now!
(5)
Jerald G.

For a "$$$" not sure it was that great. That said, loved the jalapeno cornbread pudding and basil limeade were great. Service was slow. Wanted to go somewhere nice on a 'date night' and there were a few families there. I'm not sure I'll return on my dime.
(3)
Mike Y.

Great location with no parking... I see people parking in the neighborhood behind the restaurant since the metered parking is so limited. The space itself is very small, but had a great vibe. It was a Thursday and the place seemed frenetic, but not crazy. Host and servers were friendly and attentive. Drinks & specials were introduced and so were recommendations. I love when they do that especially when I'm a first timer. Got 3 dozen oysters that night... 2 dz blue point and 1 dz of Appalachian. The oysters were decent. Flavor was fresh, but I wish it was meatier. She Crab Soup: This was pretty delicious. It was a bit on the salty side, but it had a pleasant fishy notes with bits of crab roe in there. That is authentic. None of that fake crab meat and bubble gum pink color I've seen in cheap diners. Solid dish..... Shrimp and Grits: I loved this dish! It had sauteed shrimp, lightly battered fried shrimp, and andouille sausage. The broth they used to sauce the grits was full bodied and tasted like a low country boil that was intensified. cocktails were very great too. It wasn't very light which is my complaint with most joints and the flavors were spot on. I'd definitely go back for some lobster or crab. nom...nom...nom...
(4)
Chad W.

We accidentally found this place and were so glad we did. Though they were booked up, we were able get seats at the barn, and were told we'd have a table if someone didn't show up. In the end though, we didn't want to leave the bar. Manager, Bash was a great guy, who provided us with a different drink when I ordered the wrong one for my girlfriend. The lime vinaigrette dressing was phenomenal on a fantastic salad. I ordered a decadent sheepshead fish that was to die for, while she had the stuffed chicken. We can't wait to go back.
(5)
Truly A.

went there for a quick meal. love their commitment to serving fresh seafood. the crab cakes were on point, needed a bit more sauce though. the house corn bread with whipped butter was welcoming as i was starving. love that they have filtered water served in small mason jars - how did they know i love drinking out of mason jars! drives me crazy when you go to a high end restaurant and they serve you yucky tap water. they passed on flying colors with having pure filtered water. service was good, all in all a great experience.
(5)
Stef T.

Good spot for brunch lunch or dinner! Always fresh seafood specials, $1 mimosa brunch and amazing complimentary sweet bread. It's a small place but I think they take reservations. Excellent location in the heart of the Highlands.
(4)
Denise D.

Complimentary Corn Bread is amazing!! It's so soft and it just falls apart so it's a little hard to get into your mouth but once it is, it's so tasty! It's not too buttery, not too oily, not too moist, but not dry. It's just perfect! The butter tastes a little cheesy imo but it's definitely good- unique. The lobster mac & cheese was great! A little too heavy on the cheese (since I'm not a big cheese fan) imo but my friend loved it! There was so much lobster, probably enough for at least every other bite! I got the Blackened Monkfish with green beans. It was heavenly! The meat was so tender.. when you cut into the fish, the texture is kind of like lobster and it looks kind of like if you were to cut into scallop. I loved how they cooked the fish so simply bc then as I bit into the fish, I could actually taste the freshness of the fish, rather than all the spices and what not that covers the natural fish taste. The lemon added on top gave it a zing, which I love, so of course I added more. The green beans were cooked very simply, which makes it a great compliment to top off the simply cooked fish. Service was great! Our waitress was very sweet, very happy, very quick. Atmosphere was calm but not awkwardly quiet. Definitely a great hang out spot! Cost was worth it. We ordered the two dishes and it came out to be $48. Not bad! Overall: Love! And 10/10 would definitely come back.
(5)
Phil C.

Great little seafood restaurant with sustainable fish everything was cooked to perfection nice portions and very interesting choices I will go again My second visit was good except for a appetizer I ordered peel and eat shrimp, which I had on my last visit and were great, but this time they weren't peel and eat they were peeled then cooked with spices I asked about the discrepancy and was told that was the way they do them I then told her I just had them the right way a week ago.
(4)
Kristin L.

We will definitely be back to try all the things we didn't get to this time. What a lovely place. Good atmosphere, nice but unusual wines, cool cocktails. Fat juicy oysters on the half shell drew us in on a Wednesday evening ($5/dozen!) but we were happy to stay and sample more. Service was friendly and knowledgeable. Thanks, Evan! If you are going for the oysters, call ahead to reserve. Mignonette on request. We ate 2 dozen. We also had the clam chowder (delicious, very tender clams, a bit salty) and the crab cake (very crabby. Yummy sauce). Comfortable setting but still a nice evening. Good, happy crowd. The place filled up about 7:20. Maybe we will see you next Wednesday, Goin Coastal! Put us down for another 2 dozen!
(4)
Cierra D.

Service was terrible! As soon as my boyfriend and I walked in the host looked confused. I asked her for seating for two. She immediately asked if we had a reservation. We said no and she said we could sit at the bar. She never gave us information on how long it would be until we could get a table. She was so hesitant. We really felt uncomfortable and unwelcomed. Finally after my boyfriend pressed for a table,she walked us to our table, placed our menus down messy and walked away without any good customer service. I was too fed up and told my boyfriend I wanted to leave. When we left, I felt stares from other customers and the host as if I had something on my shirt. We walked across the street to Fontaine's Oyster Bar...we had a great time there instead.
(1)
Dominic M.

The Highlands' sustainable seafood restaurant. Everything is 36hrs from water to door so expect fresh flavorful shrimp & crab au gratin appetizers b/c it's pretty damn tasty! Rotating craft beers make this afternoon date spot a good place for foodies & drinkers alike. ESPN at the bar so you can catch those highlights while the Mrs. chooses between crab cakes or gravlox ....decisions, decisions
(5)
Garrett D.

So after many attempts to make it on a Wednesday, I finally achieved my goal and enjoyed a good meal. A couple things took me by surprise. 1. They now have a limit 1 dozen oysters per customer. I wasn't to happy, but after finishing my meal I was comfortably full. 2. When ordering blackened seafood it's usually a spice they put on the fish. At this restaurant it's how they char the outside of the fish. I ordered Flounder and for the price I didn't want it burnt. Over all though the food was great and the service was right on point. For 2 people, 2 dozen oysters, 2 higher priced meals, and a couple drinks each it came to just over $70. Also they've expanded the restaurant to the other side of the building so it's much larger now. On that note I'll probably return some day, but with all the great seafood place I've herd about it probably won't be anytime soon.
(3)
Dee Dee C.

At first I thought I was going to have to verbally flip a table the first few minutes I settled into Goin' Coastal. For one the online menu and the in-restaurant menu are vastly different, which meant the dish I came for was non-existent. Second, our waitress seemed at first to be too curt for my mom and myself's taste. However, by the time I left Goin' Coastal all was well. Turns out our waitress was a sweetheart who went over and beyond to give my mom, who has a food allergy to walnuts, comp cornbread in place of the comp banana bread. The $1 mimosas were potent; trust me you only need two. My duck confit omelette, although terribly over cooked, was better than expected. The cheese grits were creamy, and tasted magnificent after a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and Splendas. In terms of decor, this place is tiny but uses the space it has wisely. I was concerned I'd be cramped, but that wasn't an issue at all. In addition to being a "sustainable seafood joint" Goin' Coastal uses recyclable takeout products. So if you want to support a green and environmental friendly restaurant this is your place. If you want healthy servings of food, seafood, and cheap mimosas for brunch give them a go.
(3)
Kelly W.

Saturday a group of 12 of us had an early dinner here for my birthday. My husband reserved a big table for us in the private area and it was set up nice & ready to go shortly after we arrived. Our waitress was friendly and gave us great service, she even offered to take a group photo of us as we were leaving. None of us had ever been to this restaurant before, in fact my husband and I picked it based on the good Yelp reviews we read. We all ordered different things across the menu and sampled each other's food. I tried the pimento fritters, parmesan garlic baked oysters and caesar salad for starters. The fritters were super gooey with lots of mayo, if you like mayo you'll love them, unfortunately I'm not a huge mayo fan. The oysters were awesome, loved them! The cornbread & butter was yum! For dinner I had the shrimp & grits, the flavor was good but the grits were pretty thin and the shrimp were not completely peeled or deveined, which was a bummer because other than that it tasted great. My Mom ordered the fried shrimp and hers were partially peeled also. I tried the hush puppies and fries also and they tasted great. After dinner the waitress brought out a birthday slice of pecan pie that was awesome! Def a must try! Overall I think this restaurant was good, we'll be back.
(4)
Keith B.

Gotta Get Goin' We were there early on a Monday evening, so it was a bit quiet. The staff were all pleasant and our server was great and very helpful. They start you off with some very nice cornbread. We had the mussel appetizer was really good with a delicious broth. For mains we had the rainbow trout and the crabcakes. Both were great and with the trout being especially good. The veggie sides were really nice. All in all, a great meal.
(5)
J. D.

Updating to 4 stars. Wonderful staff. Delicious and simple preparations. Sustainable fish. Extra points for really good free corn bread. Here's a tip: sit at the bar and it's like being at the Chef's table.
(4)
Jordan L.

We wife and I were in the mood for seafood and decided to try Goin' Coastal. It's right in the middle of the Virginia Highlands in a walkable area with restaurants, bars, and shops. We arrived at 8:00pm for an 8:45pm reservation, and elected to dine at the bar. The bar manager was busy, but took the time to stop and explain the food and drink menus. She knew the drinks (great beer selection, nice wine list, and craft cocktails), which is to be expected, but she also knew every dish on the food menu, and made recommendations based on what she thought we might like. Our food was fantastic. We had an oyster appetizer followed by the scallops with risotto and a fish selection chosen off of a chalk board with about 8 different "sustainable" options. Everything was high quality and very fresh. The food was seasoned perfectly (not overpowering). Apps and entrees came out quickly despite a very busy kitchen. The food was excellent, the service was amazing, and the restaurant has a fun vibe. We will certainly be back soon.
(5)
Adam P.

I went here on a Sunday, pretty late in the evening (about 8:45). I had also been drinking most of the day, so my memory may not be the best. Anyway, came here with a group of 5 and the place was pretty empty and we sat down right away. Started with the oysters and they were outstanding, then moved to the fried catfish which was also on point. Really enjoyed my meal here, as did everyone I was with. Easily the best seafood meal I have had in Atlanta. My only complaint is there isn't a cheap red win option. If you want red wine, I believe they start at about $60 a bottle. And considering I had been going hard all day to that point, a great bottle of wine wasn't necessary. But overall, I loved this meal and will be back soon.
(5)
Terry V.

Last Saturday a group of 10 of us went to Goin Coastal. Since we had a reservation, they quickly seated us. We started with a variety of appetizers. The Caesar salads were great with just a hint of anchovies. The pimento cheese fritters were baked to perfection. For dinner our group had everything from steak to fish to shell fish. Everything was cooked perfectly and arrived at our table hot. Lastly, out waitress was outstanding. Not only was she pleasant, but always was there when we needed her. She also gave us separate bills, which was really nice for a group of five couples. I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant and can say with confidence that you will have a great meal at this place.
(5)
Ron P.

On recent trip to Atlanta decided to try restaurants in the Virginia highlands area. We had reservations and got seated immediately. They have to different dining areas. The bar area was loud and hoping. The other was quieter. We where seated in that area. The waitress was outstanding. She explained the menu and the concept. Told her it was our first visit and she recommended several seafood fishes that where outstanding. The only problem was parking be careful parking to avoid tickets. Park at the bank and pay the easiest spot to find close up parking
(5)
Tony F.

WOW! WOW! WOW! My and i went to Goin' Coastal for our 7th Anniversary. First off, I called the restaraunt to see what they could do to make it a little more special for my girl and Melissa (Hostess) got Erin (?) on the line and she jumped into action. They provided a little table top sign with our names on it and a champagne toast! Erin ended up being our server and she was sooo good. Her energy and her attention were beyond top notch! The food was as good as the service was. That was easily one of the top 5 (maybe even top 3) dining experiences we've ever had. If you want some super tasty sea food in a very relaxed environment, make your way to Goin' Coastal!! P.S. make sure you ask for Erin.
(5)
Thomas B.

This review is meant as a high compliment to the men and women who work at Goin' Coastal Seafood. Recently I dined at Goin' Coastal with a medium sized group of people. My order did not come out with the rest of the meals. It's understood that having everything come out at the same time is kinda of a big deal so everyone can eat together. The waiter came over and informed me that my entree came out kinda stinky and the chef refused to serve it. They took my order for a replacement and it came out ASAP. Accidents happen, fish goes bad, I understand that. I was very impressed that everyone on the staff is watching, monitoring the quality at every turn. This situation only serves to underscore how excellent Goin' Coastal is. I will be back.
(5)
Raquel H.

Food was amazing! I love seafood! Waitress was perfect, food was timely, hot, and delicious.
(5)
Yinka T.

Food - 2: I was not impressed with my crab cake. it had a sour aftertaste. My companion got a crab dip and it was challenge finding the crab in it - all cheese :(. I came here for the Oyster deal on Wednesday but they ran out before I got there. The best thing was the complimentary corn bread.... oh and the consoling skinny fries. Yum! Ambience - 4: Small, chic and cute. There is a strong riverine smell int here but it is allowed for a seafood restaurant. Location - 5: It is next to other restuarants and a good place in VaHi to walk around. Weird enough, I am open to going back, earlier on a Wednesday for the oysters.
(2)
Josh B.

Took my Boyfriend here for Valentine's Day after reading all the great reviews and we loved it! Just so we could actually have a table, I made reservations prior to our arrival. The restaurant was in the Virginia Highlands neighborhood of Atlanta which is a definite plus since the area always has that cozy, small town feel. Great atmosphere in the restaurant as well. There's two huge blackboards on the accent wall that lists the fresh seafood that is available for the day. We started off with the Peel-and-Eat Shrimp which were a nice size and flavored very well. As for our EntrÃ©es, my Boyfriend had the Fried Catfish platter which came with fried Oysters, as well as fried Shrimp. But since the Peel-and-Eat Shrimp were so great, the chef was more than accommodating substituting the Fried Shrimp for the Peel-and-Eat ones. As for myself, I had the Bowl which consisted of Mussels, Scallops, Shrimp, and fish, with corn, scallions, and a few other veggies all in a stewed Tomato broth. We loved it! I enjoyed every bite and would definitely be back during the week to take advantage of the weekly Oyster specials. Overall, we had a great dinner that night!
(5)
Thi T.

Considering how deliciously fattening some of these dishes can be, it's better to go with a group and try different items. The grits are so creamy and cheesy with large shrimp. Risotto also has a creamy (white truffle pesto) sauce over it. To be honest, I was so ecstatic by both of these consistencies and flavors that I scarfed it up too quickly to be able to discern any detectable differences. Both were equally good and my favorite. The server recommended that we get the "half" portion of the mac and cheese. This was a wise idea in retrospect. The half portion was already too much for 4 and it didn't have much flavorful lobster. Also, I agree that mac and cheese may be better served with another pasta that is not the penne pasta. This dish gets a 1.5-2 stars. The mussels starter is superb. It comes with 2 giant pieces of bread to dip in the garlic, white wine sauce. There is plenty of mussels that were average in size, succulent, and maybe had a hint of fishy smell at best. The Low country boil is decent. Nothing memorable. There's big shrimp but I don't remember it being overwhelmingly flavorful. Same can be said with the potatoes and anduoille sausage (disappointing because I've never met one that I didn't enjoy). Corn had a bit more flavor because it was a bit sweet. The staff is very friendly. After we paid our bill, he remembered to look for us to take our picture even though we had already exited the restaurant. One of the staff members even made a little "happy birthday" sign for the birthday girl. Parking in Virginia Highlands may depend on luck. I got lucky and parked across the street in the neighborhoods. There are a few paid parking spots, and possibly valet parking as well.
(4)
Yolanda H.

Let me say I thoroughly enjoyed my time and my meal at this restaurant. Some friends and I made reservations here for NYE and due to schedules and availability we ended up with a late dinner (10pm) reservation. Let me start by saying we had to search for parking but eventually found something around the corner but they do offer a pickup service if you call them. When we arrived we were promptly seated. With it being NYE it was quite busy and although they offered several specials some were sold out by the time we got there. However since it was our first time there we were happy with the regular menu. Our server Evan was the best and very helpful in helping us decide what to order. I ordered the fried shrimp with mashed potatoes and a Caesar salad while my friend ordered the steamed lobster and green beans, which was the vegetable of the day, along with a Caesar as well. We started with a Basil Limeade, one of the more popular cocktails, which was quite refreshing and while we waited Evan brought us some complimentary corn bread that was to die for! It was warm and cake like but not overwhelming sweet...a perfect treat! Overall our food was fresh, hot, flavorful and really very well prepared. As a seafood lover, this has to be one of my best experiences in Atlanta this far. To top it off we enjoyed ourselves so much that we ended up being there until midnight and bringing in the new year with our new friends at Goin Coastal! We will return!
(5)
Lianne S.

Went here for a later dinner and had a great meal! We were seated right away and the service was great. We order the oysters that are baked with cheese and seafood. They were so yummy!! I definitely recommend them. I wanted to try the lobster mac and cheese but we split the lobster roll instead. It was ver good but I still want to go back and try the mac and cheese!
(4)
Kate M.

Goin' Coastal has been on my list to visit for quite some time and I was finally able to make it out on Saturday night. It didn't quite live up to all of the five star reviews I've been reading but had some great stand out moments. First the Pros: -- Our server was extremely friendly and was able to walk us through all of their specials, fresh fish offerings, and drinks of the night. I got the strawberry sipper - so worth it! Incredibly fresh with just a touch of sweetness. -- Their fried pickle appetizer had a twist! Instead of using dill, they fry up bread and butter pickles so you get a little sweet, a little sour, and a kick of spice with their dipping sauce. -- Their complimentary jalapeno cornbread was delicious! Not too spicy but warm and buttery. -- The Lobster Mac & Cheese had huge pieces of lobster and was topped with crispy bread crumbs. There was so much cheese I was in heaven! I just wish it had a different noodle shape other than penne. Now the Cons: -- The lobster bisque was a little more bisque than lobster but it was still tasty. -- I got the shrimp and grits as my entree and it has an andouille sausage gravy. Unfortunately it was way too salty and over powered the dish. I couldn't really separate it out either since it was poured on top. They advertised that the shrimp was prepared two different ways: sauteed & fried. All of my shrimp were sauteed except for one fried one on top. I would have loved to have a more even split. -- The restaurant is really small so it can feel cramped up front. If you don't make a reservation you will definitely be waiting for a seat. That being said, the host staff seemed a little all over the place for such a small venue. They asked for our reservation name about four times by two different people before seating us. Overall, I enjoyed my experience here but it was a bit pricy (all of their seafood is sustainable which adds to the increase but it's a cause I definitely support) for me to be disappointed with a few of my dishes. I'll come back to give them another shot and see if I can satisfy my taste buds with some different offerings.
(3)
Francois G.

Worst meal I've had in a while. We ordered a dozen "seawing" oysters which turned out to be the milkiest oysters I had even seen (no warning from the waitress). I gagged on the second one. My girlfriend managed to eat four, but that was heroic on her part. We also shared the raw tuna, in a cloyingly sweet sauce that masked all the taste of the fish. My girlfriend had the lobster roll, also very sweet and strange-tasting (we could not quite indentify the ingredients of the sauce). Finally, my grilled "wreckfish" had the hard consistency of a frozen fish and a very dubious smell. We were quite worried that we would be sick, but we have not vomited so far, about two hours after the meal. This was our second meal there (first one when it firstt opened, and we liked it OK then), but it will definetely be our last. $120 before tip with 3 glasses of wine between the two of us.
(1)
Crystal R.

$5 oysters by the dozen on Wednesdays! Great deal but you are limited to only one dozen. My fiancÃ© and I ordered the Low Bowl and I was not satisfied because it was too salty. My server(Erynn) was amazing and brought me shrimp and grits as a sample in place of my portion. That's definitely A+ customer service and really made the experience here awesome. Thank you.
(4)
Linn L.

Without a doubt MUST try. Especially if your a seafood lover! I went with a group so we had a select menu. Appetizers- Oysters on the half shell. Fresh I usually only eat them fried but had to try these. Cocktail sauce & horseradish for me. Catfish- Fried crispy with a seasoned batter. Great! Trout-Amazing!!!! Cooked to perfection the sauce not dominating but added the hump! Salmon- Great cooked perfectly with a crispy blacked top. If I had to say anything other than AMAZING it Great it would be the veggies were ok. We had the macaroni, green beans and potatoes. The potatoes were my favorite. The chef was very informative & personal. I am def going back for Lobster Mondays & to try as much as I can on the full menu which changes depending on seasons LOVED it!
(5)
Brian B.

Here with my mother for Mothers Day brunch. I appreciate that I can bring her here, simple southern women, and they treat with her with such respect. As always the food was amazing. We sat at the bar to eat and my mother would not stop commenting on how respectful the staff were too each other. Lol Thanks Chef Jeffrey and crew for a relaxing and delicious meal with mom.
(5)
M R.

We decided to try this little cozy spot located in the Virginia Highlands Area, and were we not disappointed.. While we waited to be seated I Ordered me and the wife two mojitos which were right on point, and Reasonably priced. Finally when we were seated the waitress brought Us out some fresh and warm cornbread with a little butter on the side. Now I'm not a major cornbread fan, but when I tell you this cornbread Was the best I ever had I mean every word of it.. Now we went on to Order the crab dip for an appetizer which was served with pieces of bread on the side and we really enjoyed that. My wife ordered the Crab cakes with a side of hush puppies and I ordered the fried sea- Food platter which had catfish, scallops, shrimp and oysters and man I tell you that meal was something serious, we both enjoyed our Meals. Definitely a great place to eat.... We will be back..
(5)
Tom C.

I was looking for a seafood restaurant to eat at during Sunday Lunch but I fortunately I couldn't eat at Daniel B's recommendation at the Optimist because it wasn't open till dinner. But I was able to check out "Goin Coastal" in the Highlands which seemed to have good reviews. This restaurant is focus is having quality seafood but only using seafood resources from sustainable practices. Anyways, the place was great. Service was good and our server took care of us. She did keep up with my water which is hard to do. We had brunch and we went with the Scallops, pimento cheese grits, bacon, and sunny side up egg meal. It was delicious. The scallops were very fresh and juicy.
(4)
Kathryn F.

We don't live in Atlanta so when we get a chance to get into the city and have a meal we want it to be special. I picked Goin Coastal after reading the reviews and checking out the menu on Yelp. I made reservations as suggested (a must on Saturday night). Parking is an issue as there is no lot, just street and metered. We had to do several loops to find a space. To the restaurant's credit the person that took my reservation did tell me about the parking situation. The restaurant is small but didn't feel cramped. Service was excellent. We had a lovely waitress, but she wasn't the only one who looked after us. Different members of the crew kept our little table free from empty plates, brought us our dishes, and made sure we wanted for nothing. Now to the food. The server brought us cornbread with butter. I thought it was a little gummy, but had a nice stone ground taste. We shared the Dip (more than plenty for 2) for starters. A hot cheesy shrimp and blue crab dip served in a skillet with crispy slices of charred french bread. Very good and addictive. It did need a little acid which was solved with a squeeze of lemon. Yum. For entrÃ©es my sister-in-law ordered the crabcakes and I ordered the scallop, shrimp and "chalkboard fish of the day" risotto (they have chalkboards that list all the fresh fish selections plus any specials). The crabcakes had a hint of curry and spice and were served with mashed potatoes and green beans. My sister-in-law thoroughly enjoyed it. My entrÃ©e, the risotto, was absolutely sublime! The rice was just al dente, creamy and luscious. It was topped with sea bass, shrimp and scallop. The sea bass was brilliant - buttery and cooked to perfection. I wanted to marry it then and there! All came together for something I will never forget. The portion size was more than plenty and I should have stopped and taken some home, but I couldn't quit relishing every morsel of its deliciousness. There wasn't a grain of rice left! We didn't have room for dessert but next time I would like to try the Key Lime tart. My recommendation is the next time you have a hankering for some really good seafood, head to Goin Coastal. Now if they would only open one in Athens!
(4)
Carla S.

Went here last Friday for a date night with hubby. We were seated immediately and the waitress came promptly to take our order. Hubby ordered the caesar salad which was not great but good. I ordered the spinach salad which was AMAZING! Our waitress also brought out their cornbread and it too was delicious. For my entree I chose the Lobster Mac. I liked it but wished I would have ordered something else. Especially after tasting hubby's Sea Bass. His fish was DELICIOUS! Great food and great service equaled a great date night.
(4)
Msa A.

Just went for brunch again this past Sunday. The food here is SO good. We started off with the amazing banana bread. All four of us ordered different things and all four were happy and cleaned our plates. $1 mimosas people, ok? Don't get too excited as they cap you at 3 per person. I had the pork belly sandwich special with grits. Amazing. Seriously some of the best grits ever. They also have perfect eggs. Enjoy!
(5)
Jay D.

I don't know if I ordered the wrong item or what but I did not like anything about the place, from the environment to the food and especially the food. I ordered the Coastal MonkFish and the flavor was not what I would expect from a restaurant, basically it lacked the basic balance of the flavor, not to mention the enhancing flavor of it. In simple terms, flavor was no good and no aroma. The dessert was nothing special but like from some baked goods at a simple grocery store. I had the powdered cake which they call it the white brownie with the gooey center, nothing like I had imagined. It was overly sweet, basically calling for diabetes. The only thing that was decent was the Aviation drink. I will probably not come back here again due to the price and the quality of food but, first time for everything. Summary: Coastal MonkFish: Flavor done poorly White Brownie:overly too sweet Aviation Drink:Decent $$$ Opinion:Overly-Priced for bad food
(1)
Kadia P.

I can't say enough good things about Goin' Coastal. I'm a huge seafood fan and this is hands down my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. I'm cool with several of the bartenders. The drinks are always great. The ambiance is perfect for a date or a night out with friends or a family dinner. Now, let's talk food. They are a sustainable seafood joint. They have a fresh fish board so that part of the menu changes daily. My absolute favorite dish is the Scallops w/Risotto! They are seared to perfection & the risotto is the perfect texture & consistency every time. The fish selections can be prepared one of four ways. They're all amazing. The Fried Chicken comes with a bacon thyme gravy that will make you weak in the knees. The lobster mac & cheese is LOADED with lobster (my son's favorite). And the snow crab legs & stuffed lobster...epic! I could go on but why are you still reading! Go eat there now!
(5)
Candra G.

I'm definitely a fan. I went here with my BF for a lowkey anniversary dinner. Here's the good, bad, and bottomline Good: - Very prompt service and a knowledgeable waitstaff - Food - from the appetizers to the main course, he and I saw the bottoms of our bowls and plates. So delicious. The family style salad and jalepeno cornbread were nice touches. I ordered the shrimp and grits - and I can say that it was way better than anything I had on a recent trip to Savannah. The shrimp served two different styles was a great touch as well. We split a crab cake appetizer - finally, more crab than filler with a tasty sauce to complement the flavor. He had the bacon wrapped scallops and grits - by the looks of his plate, it was well received! Bad: Parking. There is none except for random spots that you may find by chance. Bottomline - My new seafood go-to spot in the city. Reasonably price, nice portions, and great service!
(5)
Robert C.

This place is clearly one of Atlanta's best restaurants on every level and I'm a foodie that eats out a lot. Our service was friendly and fun, the fish was out-this-world, fresh and seasoned perfectly, and they even have unique desserts made by an award-winning baker. Loved it. Plus the atmosphere is cool. I highly recommend it. We even sat outside on the sidewalk and watched all the activity of Virginia Highlands. Really fun.
(5)
Brian B.

I took my boss and 4 very important clients 10/16 for dinner. No one I know has ever been here, but it has gotten really good reviews on Yelp. So I took a leap of faith and was not let down. We were sat at a table near the back. Our server, Evan, was personable, educated about the menu and was there when we needed him but didn't hover. Which is good because I hate that. We first ordered drinks. My Grey Goose and cran was a little weak, but no one else had any complaints. We ordered a dozen blue point oysters. Nice and fresh and yum. For dinner I ordered the Coastal Bowl. Shrimp, mussels, oysters, fresh fish in a tomato broth, it also had some kind of ham. All this served with 2 pieces of excellent grilled bread. It was fantastic. One of my clients ordered the Lobster mac & cheese which he just about licked the plate. Everyone in our party raved about their entrees. We ordered one of each of the three desserts. I only tried the Key Lime Tart and it was really good. All in all, I think I have a new seafood favorite ITP. Well done Goin' Coastal, I'll be back.
(5)
Doug S.

Went back again last night. Had the Cod and grits with a Caesar salad sitting at the bar. Dinner was wonderful. Fun sitting at bar. This really is a great place.
(5)
Joanna G.

I'm one of those people who believes that "A" grades go to students who truly are exceptional (and not just the kids who garner the most extra credit points). The same goes for my ratings: I intend to keep a five star rating reserved for those places that TRULY deserve them. Goin' Coastal in Virginia Highlands absolutely deserves all of this credit. Heracles strengths: Service. Sustainability. Super-awesome-delicious-food (thus ends my alliterative tendancies). When we initially arrived about 10 minutes early for our reservation, the restaurant was packed, and I mean PACKED. Knowing it would be a bit before we could get seated, we decided to take advantage of the bar located immediately inside. My date opted for a Starburst Margarita, while I got a gin and tonic. He was happy with his fruity pink drink, and I loved the spicy bite that my G&T had. After waiting (and waiting), the chef noticed that we had been at the bar well past our reservation time. His response? To come over and spot us another round of drinks and send over bacon-wrapped scallops on a bed of spinach and mushrooms in some decadent hold-me-baby-Jesus-butter sauce. Needless to say, I would have spent the whole night sitting at the bar waiting for a table QUITE contentedly. The scallops were perfectly seared (no small feat), and the rest of the dish was a perfect compliment. Dinner for my date was the coastal bowl which he promptly devoured, while I settled on the fried oysters. I'm a Florida girl with simple (albeit specific) tastes when it comes to my seafood and I really enjoyed their homemade remoulade. For my side item I had the jalapeno corn bread pudding which was amazing. Just enough heat to keep it interesting, and ending with a light note of sweetness that really made the dish memorable. Aphrodite factor: TOTALLY a date night spot. My date and I were actually there on our "date night" when we try to pick a nicer spot to check out. I saw couples of all ages (20 somethings - 60 somethings) scattered throughout the restaurant and bar area. I also saw several families and other groups clearly there on a girls/guys night out. Make a reservation as this hot spot can be quite busy! Hermes rating: Relatively quick considering how busy this place can be. They are quick to send out salads and super tasty fresh cornbread. Achilles heel: Busy. Also a bit on the louder side, but I'd be willing to bet it's a bit quieter during the week. And the obvious: NOT a good place to go if you have seafood allergies! Libations: Amazing, amazing bartender here. AMAZING. The gentleman who whipped up my cocktails was friendly while being professional, and had the perfect hand for mixing up my drink. It was strong but not overly so, really just an excellent balance. They have a good list of wines for pairing with dishes, and the cocktails are spot on. Offering: Since it is fresh, sustainable seafood in a land-locked city, it's going to be a bit pricier. However, it is worth every penny of your purchase to get this kind of seafood in Atlanta!
(5)
Tiffany L.

The restaurant is always busy and the food is good, however, the hostess has been rude the every time I have been in or contacted the restaurant and that ruins the whole experience. In my book a great restaurant includes amazing food, great atmosphere, and a focus on customer service. Customer service is obviously not important to Goin Coastal and that will catch up to them in the long run.
(2)
Zach H.

Me and my friend who frequents this place went and ate there tonight. They didn't have any draft beers, which I thought was kinda weird (and a Sweetwater 420 was five bucks) but whatever, maybe its typical for the highlands - I don't know. The guys who helped us were super cool and friendly, Joey and Bash. Got the lobster for appetizer and it was really good, had the Bowl for dinner which is a huge portion and kicks ass - get this if you want a little bit of everything to eat. The (corn?) bread they brought out was also super good. Try not to fill yourself up on it before your main course. Once again, kick ass service, great food. Just wish they would offer some more beers. I think my friend had their specialty mixed drink which was really good as well, think its called the Coastal or Coastie or something. Check this place out.
(4)
Sara R.

Great location, relaxed fun & friendly decor. I wanted to love this place but it didn't hit me that way. Our server, Terri, was terrific. Friendly, gave us space/time to visit and didn't rush us at all. She had great wine recommendation (if I could only remember the name. Pinot Noir and a man's name). $20 for 1/2 bottle - great price. We went on Sunday Supper night. Family style veggies and extra servings if you want. The mixed green salad to start was fabo! Really really fresh lettuce, carrots, tomatoes and a delish light dressing. I ordered the trout, my friend peel & eat shrimp. The trout was a nice portion but lacked flavor. I had to salt it which I rarely do. My friend got @ 6 shrimp. The veggies were potato salad, creamed corn, steamed green beans and cuc/tom salad. All were OK but I was hoping for real veggies - steamed, no butter...that kind of thing. The price fixe dinner (well priced) comes w/dessert too. Blueberry cheesecake and from my two bites, it was good. So, great location & decor, great service but the food didn't hit me quite as I expected.
(2)
Jessica S.

Great food, great service! Joey was our server and he was awesome -- had great recommendations as first time visitors! Would definitely come back!
(5)
Shay S.

I blame myself for not liking the lobster tacos. I'm not a corn person, but I assumed corn sauce would be a sauce with a corn flavor, not corn with a cabbage/lettuce (cole slaw-ish) sauce over it. I had the sauce on the side so the tacos were pretty dry, but I was trying to be different, so oh well. The fries, however were so good. I was trying to eat like a lady, but I couldn't help but stuff a handful of fries in my mouth at a time. Ha! My mother got the low boil platter with the crab, andouille sausage, potatoes, corn, etc. It was delish and seasoned to perfection. We ate at the bar because we failed to make reservations because we didn't know. I would have preferred a table or booth because we seemed so spread out. Webster and Jodie were working the bar area, so they were our servers. Webster was very knowledgable, but so busy so we didn't get to have that interaction one prefers. Jodie seemed new because she didn't know as much, but I know with time, she'll be great. The drinks were amazing and strong! Great little restaurant! They really need to expand or move because it was PACKED in there. If you don't like seafood, then don't go, but they serve this boneless fried chicken breast with a bacon gravy over it. It's actually pretty good. Overall, I loved the place, and will go back.
(4)
Matt C.

Awesome food, service and people.
(5)
Rick G.

Based on the other reviews, I must have gone on an off-night. To begin, another person commented that the cornbread muffins were the best they had ever had. Ours were stale. I don't even remember what they tasted like. Other people say the seafood is delicious and well prepared. Well, we tried both the salmon and tuna entrees. Both were overcooked and rather dry. The seasoning was just a simple rub which didn't go well with the salmon. The overwhelming taste was dirt. The rub tasted better on the tuna, but it wasn't anything special. With both dishes, I felt myself eating just to eat, not eating because I enjoyed the food. After one appetizer (which was frankly terrible), 2 entrees, 1 glass of inexpensive wine, and 2 beers, our total was a little over $90. Yes, the entrees come with 2 sides (some were decent, some were just ok) and you end up with a lot of food, but I care much more about quality than quantity. For about the same money we could have had a MUCH better meal elsewhere (Cakes & Ale, Rathbun's, etc). On food alone, I'd give them 2 stars. Service was great, though, and since they're just starting out, I'll give them 3.
(3)
A P.

Excellent food! Great waiting service! Took longer than expected to be seated, but once we had our meals it was worth the wait! Will definitely be returning.
(4)
Aaron L.

I travel a lot and eat in a lot of random restaurants. Rarely does a place stand out like this one. I decided fish was what I wanted tonight, and researched places in the Atlanta area. Ended up calling Goin' Coastal to see what fish they had on hand (it's not updated/listed on their website). The hostess Stephanie was great - suggested a reservation, to which I said I was solo and would just sit at the bar, she insisted on letting the bartender know that I was coming anyways. So, I hopped in the car and apple maps F&^*$%'d me, taking me 20 minutes in the wrong direction. I sheepishly finally showed up right as they were closing. Stephanie came up and immediately recognized she had spoken to me on the phone, and went to make sure she could still seat me. Between her and Joey (server) the service at this place was amazing, very attentive but not overbearing. They even had a little hand-drawn placeholder with my name on it. The food was excellent. I ordered the Swordfish with their signature Coastal preparation - amazing. Loved the squash and potatoes that came with it. Decent micro brew selection, too! I highly recommend this place, and I will absolutely be back when I'm in town, andwill be telling my colleagues, whom also frequent Atlanta. Anyone thinking fresh fish for dinner - come to Goin' Coastal! Cheers!
(5)
arlene d.

Have been wanting to go here for a long time. All there seafood is sustainable like that idea very much. Went on a Monday night slow night. First impression when going over the menu they were out of several items kind of a turn off. Did have special $20.00 lobster night with choice of 1 side and salad great deal. Friendly wait staff. Little pricey had some burnt potatoes in my seafood dish
(3)
Keitha D.

Food was great. Seating not so much. I was in a party of 6 and the table they set up for us was clearly for a party of 4. My date kept hitting the waiters in the crotch everytime they walked by. Quite awkward. The mussels were delicious and so was the lobster crab cake. Nice wine selection as well. i'd go back, but not with a large group/
(3)
B S.

This is one of my favorite seafood restaurants, and they have the freshest crab & shrimp I've had in Atlanta. My friends and I had an amazing dinner there a few weeks ago. They steam their shellfish to perfection, and the blue cheese stuffed olive martinis are amazing! Oh, and you must try the lobster mac & cheese. The service is also top notch, and the waiters can help you make a choice. If you haven't tried it yet, you're missing out!
(5)
Kari N.

Best Seafood and Service in Atlanta! Goin' Coastal in Virginia Highlands is the best seafood I've had in Atlanta by far. Everything I've ordered has been absolutely amazing. My favorites include their Lobster & Crab Cakes, Caesar Salad is great, the Low Country Platter with Crab Legs is the best, Lobster Mac & Cheese...need I say more?, and their steak specials are always super tasty. You really can't go wrong. If that's not enough reason to make this one of your favorite spots, the attentive service and friendly bartender and service will. The staff remembers what I like to drink, what apps I like to eats and things I don't like. ie. bacon ;-) Everyone is always very friendly and so accommodating. Another great thing about Goin' Coastal is their Loyalty and Rewards Program. There are many perks to enjoy like free valet parking, priority seating and you get points for every dollar you spend. You really can't beat it. This place blows all other seafood restaurants out of the water! You have to try it!
(5)
Brian B.

Wow, this place was way below expectations. After reading all the reviews I decided to take my wife and family out to this restaurant for my wife's birthday. We made reservations and everything seemed ok until we got there. We had reservations for 7 people and we were seated in the back near the kitchen at a table that was really mean for 4-5 comfortable. The waiter was nice, but not knowledgeable about the daily specials and had to keep going back and forth to the chalk board in the front. As a family we had a good time, but the food was just average based on all our food choices. So I normally would rate this 3, but it only gets worse. Both my wife and I ended up getting food poisoning from the food. Of course it could have been something else we ate, but the dinner was the first thing we shared in over 48 hours and we got sick at almost the identical time (around 12 am that night) Other family members reported upset stomachs also. The final straw was when my wife posted what happened on their facebook page, they just deleted the post. Now I understand from a marketing perspective not wanting that on your page, but not even a private message or anything offering an apology? Take it from me, your $ would be wisely spent elsewhere.
(1)
Julie C.

Fantastic lunch with stellar service from Eric. The Basil Limeade is off the chain delicious & refreshing. The lobster tacos are fresh, with the vegetable of the day being from-the-garden peas, shelled by the staff. Eric made our family time very special with great seating and attentive service. My new fav spot.
(5)
Kristin D.

I have been on yelp looking for a new restaurant to try out and I stumbled upon some reviews on Goin coastal that I don't agree with. My husband and I are regulars and have always had great service, delicious food, and they have always been extremely accommodating! I have never been to a restaurant before that remembered my name, drink, and allergies after the first time dinning with them. To not return to a restaurant because they ran out of hot tea is ridiculous. Also if u go out to eat on a Saturday night in atlanta, you should expect a wait, with or without a reservation.
(5)
Andrew D.

I am always pleasantly surprised at goin coastal. I go expecting a fine meal, great service and innovative presentation. However, I always get more than I expected. From the owner to the servers to the chefs to the bartenders, everyone strives to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. Go here...you will NOT be disappointed. I have made it my goal to take new people here on each visit. So far, everyone has vowed to return. This restaurant is a gem!
(5)
Ron P.

On recent trip to Atlanta decided to try restaurants in the Virginia highlands area. We had reservations and got seated immediately. They have to different dining areas. The bar area was loud and hoping. The other was quieter. We where seated in that area. The waitress was outstanding. She explained the menu and the concept. Told her it was our first visit and she recommended several seafood fishes that where outstanding. The only problem was parking be careful parking to avoid tickets. Park at the bank and pay the easiest spot to find close up parking
(5)
Tony F.

WOW! WOW! WOW! My and i went to Goin' Coastal for our 7th Anniversary. First off, I called the restaraunt to see what they could do to make it a little more special for my girl and Melissa (Hostess) got Erin (?) on the line and she jumped into action. They provided a little table top sign with our names on it and a champagne toast! Erin ended up being our server and she was sooo good. Her energy and her attention were beyond top notch! The food was as good as the service was. That was easily one of the top 5 (maybe even top 3) dining experiences we've ever had. If you want some super tasty sea food in a very relaxed environment, make your way to Goin' Coastal!! P.S. make sure you ask for Erin.
(5)
Thomas B.

This review is meant as a high compliment to the men and women who work at Goin' Coastal Seafood. Recently I dined at Goin' Coastal with a medium sized group of people. My order did not come out with the rest of the meals. It's understood that having everything come out at the same time is kinda of a big deal so everyone can eat together. The waiter came over and informed me that my entree came out kinda stinky and the chef refused to serve it. They took my order for a replacement and it came out ASAP. Accidents happen, fish goes bad, I understand that. I was very impressed that everyone on the staff is watching, monitoring the quality at every turn. This situation only serves to underscore how excellent Goin' Coastal is. I will be back.
(5)
Raquel H.

Food was amazing! I love seafood! Waitress was perfect, food was timely, hot, and delicious.
(5)
Yinka T.

Food - 2: I was not impressed with my crab cake. it had a sour aftertaste. My companion got a crab dip and it was challenge finding the crab in it - all cheese :(. I came here for the Oyster deal on Wednesday but they ran out before I got there. The best thing was the complimentary corn bread.... oh and the consoling skinny fries. Yum! Ambience - 4: Small, chic and cute. There is a strong riverine smell int here but it is allowed for a seafood restaurant. Location - 5: It is next to other restuarants and a good place in VaHi to walk around. Weird enough, I am open to going back, earlier on a Wednesday for the oysters.
(2)
Josh B.

Took my Boyfriend here for Valentine's Day after reading all the great reviews and we loved it! Just so we could actually have a table, I made reservations prior to our arrival. The restaurant was in the Virginia Highlands neighborhood of Atlanta which is a definite plus since the area always has that cozy, small town feel. Great atmosphere in the restaurant as well. There's two huge blackboards on the accent wall that lists the fresh seafood that is available for the day. We started off with the Peel-and-Eat Shrimp which were a nice size and flavored very well. As for our EntrÃ©es, my Boyfriend had the Fried Catfish platter which came with fried Oysters, as well as fried Shrimp. But since the Peel-and-Eat Shrimp were so great, the chef was more than accommodating substituting the Fried Shrimp for the Peel-and-Eat ones. As for myself, I had the Bowl which consisted of Mussels, Scallops, Shrimp, and fish, with corn, scallions, and a few other veggies all in a stewed Tomato broth. We loved it! I enjoyed every bite and would definitely be back during the week to take advantage of the weekly Oyster specials. Overall, we had a great dinner that night!
(5)
Thi T.

Considering how deliciously fattening some of these dishes can be, it's better to go with a group and try different items. The grits are so creamy and cheesy with large shrimp. Risotto also has a creamy (white truffle pesto) sauce over it. To be honest, I was so ecstatic by both of these consistencies and flavors that I scarfed it up too quickly to be able to discern any detectable differences. Both were equally good and my favorite. The server recommended that we get the "half" portion of the mac and cheese. This was a wise idea in retrospect. The half portion was already too much for 4 and it didn't have much flavorful lobster. Also, I agree that mac and cheese may be better served with another pasta that is not the penne pasta. This dish gets a 1.5-2 stars. The mussels starter is superb. It comes with 2 giant pieces of bread to dip in the garlic, white wine sauce. There is plenty of mussels that were average in size, succulent, and maybe had a hint of fishy smell at best. The Low country boil is decent. Nothing memorable. There's big shrimp but I don't remember it being overwhelmingly flavorful. Same can be said with the potatoes and anduoille sausage (disappointing because I've never met one that I didn't enjoy). Corn had a bit more flavor because it was a bit sweet. The staff is very friendly. After we paid our bill, he remembered to look for us to take our picture even though we had already exited the restaurant. One of the staff members even made a little "happy birthday" sign for the birthday girl. Parking in Virginia Highlands may depend on luck. I got lucky and parked across the street in the neighborhoods. There are a few paid parking spots, and possibly valet parking as well.
(4)
Yolanda H.

Let me say I thoroughly enjoyed my time and my meal at this restaurant. Some friends and I made reservations here for NYE and due to schedules and availability we ended up with a late dinner (10pm) reservation. Let me start by saying we had to search for parking but eventually found something around the corner but they do offer a pickup service if you call them. When we arrived we were promptly seated. With it being NYE it was quite busy and although they offered several specials some were sold out by the time we got there. However since it was our first time there we were happy with the regular menu. Our server Evan was the best and very helpful in helping us decide what to order. I ordered the fried shrimp with mashed potatoes and a Caesar salad while my friend ordered the steamed lobster and green beans, which was the vegetable of the day, along with a Caesar as well. We started with a Basil Limeade, one of the more popular cocktails, which was quite refreshing and while we waited Evan brought us some complimentary corn bread that was to die for! It was warm and cake like but not overwhelming sweet...a perfect treat! Overall our food was fresh, hot, flavorful and really very well prepared. As a seafood lover, this has to be one of my best experiences in Atlanta this far. To top it off we enjoyed ourselves so much that we ended up being there until midnight and bringing in the new year with our new friends at Goin Coastal! We will return!
(5)
Lianne S.

Went here for a later dinner and had a great meal! We were seated right away and the service was great. We order the oysters that are baked with cheese and seafood. They were so yummy!! I definitely recommend them. I wanted to try the lobster mac and cheese but we split the lobster roll instead. It was ver good but I still want to go back and try the mac and cheese!
(4)
Kate M.

Goin' Coastal has been on my list to visit for quite some time and I was finally able to make it out on Saturday night. It didn't quite live up to all of the five star reviews I've been reading but had some great stand out moments. First the Pros: -- Our server was extremely friendly and was able to walk us through all of their specials, fresh fish offerings, and drinks of the night. I got the strawberry sipper - so worth it! Incredibly fresh with just a touch of sweetness. -- Their fried pickle appetizer had a twist! Instead of using dill, they fry up bread and butter pickles so you get a little sweet, a little sour, and a kick of spice with their dipping sauce. -- Their complimentary jalapeno cornbread was delicious! Not too spicy but warm and buttery. -- The Lobster Mac & Cheese had huge pieces of lobster and was topped with crispy bread crumbs. There was so much cheese I was in heaven! I just wish it had a different noodle shape other than penne. Now the Cons: -- The lobster bisque was a little more bisque than lobster but it was still tasty. -- I got the shrimp and grits as my entree and it has an andouille sausage gravy. Unfortunately it was way too salty and over powered the dish. I couldn't really separate it out either since it was poured on top. They advertised that the shrimp was prepared two different ways: sauteed & fried. All of my shrimp were sauteed except for one fried one on top. I would have loved to have a more even split. -- The restaurant is really small so it can feel cramped up front. If you don't make a reservation you will definitely be waiting for a seat. That being said, the host staff seemed a little all over the place for such a small venue. They asked for our reservation name about four times by two different people before seating us. Overall, I enjoyed my experience here but it was a bit pricy (all of their seafood is sustainable which adds to the increase but it's a cause I definitely support) for me to be disappointed with a few of my dishes. I'll come back to give them another shot and see if I can satisfy my taste buds with some different offerings.
(3)
Francois G.

Worst meal I've had in a while. We ordered a dozen "seawing" oysters which turned out to be the milkiest oysters I had even seen (no warning from the waitress). I gagged on the second one. My girlfriend managed to eat four, but that was heroic on her part. We also shared the raw tuna, in a cloyingly sweet sauce that masked all the taste of the fish. My girlfriend had the lobster roll, also very sweet and strange-tasting (we could not quite indentify the ingredients of the sauce). Finally, my grilled "wreckfish" had the hard consistency of a frozen fish and a very dubious smell. We were quite worried that we would be sick, but we have not vomited so far, about two hours after the meal. This was our second meal there (first one when it firstt opened, and we liked it OK then), but it will definetely be our last. $120 before tip with 3 glasses of wine between the two of us.
(1)
Crystal R.

$5 oysters by the dozen on Wednesdays! Great deal but you are limited to only one dozen. My fiancÃ© and I ordered the Low Bowl and I was not satisfied because it was too salty. My server(Erynn) was amazing and brought me shrimp and grits as a sample in place of my portion. That's definitely A+ customer service and really made the experience here awesome. Thank you.
(4)
Linn L.

Without a doubt MUST try. Especially if your a seafood lover! I went with a group so we had a select menu. Appetizers- Oysters on the half shell. Fresh I usually only eat them fried but had to try these. Cocktail sauce & horseradish for me. Catfish- Fried crispy with a seasoned batter. Great! Trout-Amazing!!!! Cooked to perfection the sauce not dominating but added the hump! Salmon- Great cooked perfectly with a crispy blacked top. If I had to say anything other than AMAZING it Great it would be the veggies were ok. We had the macaroni, green beans and potatoes. The potatoes were my favorite. The chef was very informative & personal. I am def going back for Lobster Mondays & to try as much as I can on the full menu which changes depending on seasons LOVED it!
(5)
Brian B.

Here with my mother for Mothers Day brunch. I appreciate that I can bring her here, simple southern women, and they treat with her with such respect. As always the food was amazing. We sat at the bar to eat and my mother would not stop commenting on how respectful the staff were too each other. Lol Thanks Chef Jeffrey and crew for a relaxing and delicious meal with mom.
(5)
M R.

We decided to try this little cozy spot located in the Virginia Highlands Area, and were we not disappointed.. While we waited to be seated I Ordered me and the wife two mojitos which were right on point, and Reasonably priced. Finally when we were seated the waitress brought Us out some fresh and warm cornbread with a little butter on the side. Now I'm not a major cornbread fan, but when I tell you this cornbread Was the best I ever had I mean every word of it.. Now we went on to Order the crab dip for an appetizer which was served with pieces of bread on the side and we really enjoyed that. My wife ordered the Crab cakes with a side of hush puppies and I ordered the fried sea- Food platter which had catfish, scallops, shrimp and oysters and man I tell you that meal was something serious, we both enjoyed our Meals. Definitely a great place to eat.... We will be back..
(5)
Tom C.

I was looking for a seafood restaurant to eat at during Sunday Lunch but I fortunately I couldn't eat at Daniel B's recommendation at the Optimist because it wasn't open till dinner. But I was able to check out "Goin Coastal" in the Highlands which seemed to have good reviews. This restaurant is focus is having quality seafood but only using seafood resources from sustainable practices. Anyways, the place was great. Service was good and our server took care of us. She did keep up with my water which is hard to do. We had brunch and we went with the Scallops, pimento cheese grits, bacon, and sunny side up egg meal. It was delicious. The scallops were very fresh and juicy.
(4)
Kathryn F.

We don't live in Atlanta so when we get a chance to get into the city and have a meal we want it to be special. I picked Goin Coastal after reading the reviews and checking out the menu on Yelp. I made reservations as suggested (a must on Saturday night). Parking is an issue as there is no lot, just street and metered. We had to do several loops to find a space. To the restaurant's credit the person that took my reservation did tell me about the parking situation. The restaurant is small but didn't feel cramped. Service was excellent. We had a lovely waitress, but she wasn't the only one who looked after us. Different members of the crew kept our little table free from empty plates, brought us our dishes, and made sure we wanted for nothing. Now to the food. The server brought us cornbread with butter. I thought it was a little gummy, but had a nice stone ground taste. We shared the Dip (more than plenty for 2) for starters. A hot cheesy shrimp and blue crab dip served in a skillet with crispy slices of charred french bread. Very good and addictive. It did need a little acid which was solved with a squeeze of lemon. Yum. For entrÃ©es my sister-in-law ordered the crabcakes and I ordered the scallop, shrimp and "chalkboard fish of the day" risotto (they have chalkboards that list all the fresh fish selections plus any specials). The crabcakes had a hint of curry and spice and were served with mashed potatoes and green beans. My sister-in-law thoroughly enjoyed it. My entrÃ©e, the risotto, was absolutely sublime! The rice was just al dente, creamy and luscious. It was topped with sea bass, shrimp and scallop. The sea bass was brilliant - buttery and cooked to perfection. I wanted to marry it then and there! All came together for something I will never forget. The portion size was more than plenty and I should have stopped and taken some home, but I couldn't quit relishing every morsel of its deliciousness. There wasn't a grain of rice left! We didn't have room for dessert but next time I would like to try the Key Lime tart. My recommendation is the next time you have a hankering for some really good seafood, head to Goin Coastal. Now if they would only open one in Athens!
(4)
Carla S.

Went here last Friday for a date night with hubby. We were seated immediately and the waitress came promptly to take our order. Hubby ordered the caesar salad which was not great but good. I ordered the spinach salad which was AMAZING! Our waitress also brought out their cornbread and it too was delicious. For my entree I chose the Lobster Mac. I liked it but wished I would have ordered something else. Especially after tasting hubby's Sea Bass. His fish was DELICIOUS! Great food and great service equaled a great date night.
(4)
Msa A.

Just went for brunch again this past Sunday. The food here is SO good. We started off with the amazing banana bread. All four of us ordered different things and all four were happy and cleaned our plates. $1 mimosas people, ok? Don't get too excited as they cap you at 3 per person. I had the pork belly sandwich special with grits. Amazing. Seriously some of the best grits ever. They also have perfect eggs. Enjoy!
(5)
Jay D.

I don't know if I ordered the wrong item or what but I did not like anything about the place, from the environment to the food and especially the food. I ordered the Coastal MonkFish and the flavor was not what I would expect from a restaurant, basically it lacked the basic balance of the flavor, not to mention the enhancing flavor of it. In simple terms, flavor was no good and no aroma. The dessert was nothing special but like from some baked goods at a simple grocery store. I had the powdered cake which they call it the white brownie with the gooey center, nothing like I had imagined. It was overly sweet, basically calling for diabetes. The only thing that was decent was the Aviation drink. I will probably not come back here again due to the price and the quality of food but, first time for everything. Summary: Coastal MonkFish: Flavor done poorly White Brownie:overly too sweet Aviation Drink:Decent $$$ Opinion:Overly-Priced for bad food
(1)
Kadia P.

I can't say enough good things about Goin' Coastal. I'm a huge seafood fan and this is hands down my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. I'm cool with several of the bartenders. The drinks are always great. The ambiance is perfect for a date or a night out with friends or a family dinner. Now, let's talk food. They are a sustainable seafood joint. They have a fresh fish board so that part of the menu changes daily. My absolute favorite dish is the Scallops w/Risotto! They are seared to perfection & the risotto is the perfect texture & consistency every time. The fish selections can be prepared one of four ways. They're all amazing. The Fried Chicken comes with a bacon thyme gravy that will make you weak in the knees. The lobster mac & cheese is LOADED with lobster (my son's favorite). And the snow crab legs & stuffed lobster...epic! I could go on but why are you still reading! Go eat there now!
(5)
Candra G.

I'm definitely a fan. I went here with my BF for a lowkey anniversary dinner. Here's the good, bad, and bottomline Good: - Very prompt service and a knowledgeable waitstaff - Food - from the appetizers to the main course, he and I saw the bottoms of our bowls and plates. So delicious. The family style salad and jalepeno cornbread were nice touches. I ordered the shrimp and grits - and I can say that it was way better than anything I had on a recent trip to Savannah. The shrimp served two different styles was a great touch as well. We split a crab cake appetizer - finally, more crab than filler with a tasty sauce to complement the flavor. He had the bacon wrapped scallops and grits - by the looks of his plate, it was well received! Bad: Parking. There is none except for random spots that you may find by chance. Bottomline - My new seafood go-to spot in the city. Reasonably price, nice portions, and great service!
(5)
Robert C.

This place is clearly one of Atlanta's best restaurants on every level and I'm a foodie that eats out a lot. Our service was friendly and fun, the fish was out-this-world, fresh and seasoned perfectly, and they even have unique desserts made by an award-winning baker. Loved it. Plus the atmosphere is cool. I highly recommend it. We even sat outside on the sidewalk and watched all the activity of Virginia Highlands. Really fun.
(5)
Brian B.

I took my boss and 4 very important clients 10/16 for dinner. No one I know has ever been here, but it has gotten really good reviews on Yelp. So I took a leap of faith and was not let down. We were sat at a table near the back. Our server, Evan, was personable, educated about the menu and was there when we needed him but didn't hover. Which is good because I hate that. We first ordered drinks. My Grey Goose and cran was a little weak, but no one else had any complaints. We ordered a dozen blue point oysters. Nice and fresh and yum. For dinner I ordered the Coastal Bowl. Shrimp, mussels, oysters, fresh fish in a tomato broth, it also had some kind of ham. All this served with 2 pieces of excellent grilled bread. It was fantastic. One of my clients ordered the Lobster mac & cheese which he just about licked the plate. Everyone in our party raved about their entrees. We ordered one of each of the three desserts. I only tried the Key Lime Tart and it was really good. All in all, I think I have a new seafood favorite ITP. Well done Goin' Coastal, I'll be back.
(5)
Doug S.

Went back again last night. Had the Cod and grits with a Caesar salad sitting at the bar. Dinner was wonderful. Fun sitting at bar. This really is a great place.
(5)
Brittany D.

Some of the best seafood I've ever tried in an excellent atmosphere. The service was warm and friendly, and the waitresses recommendations were wonderful. I ordered the vegetable couscous, and it was marvelous. Of the other plates I sampled, the mahi mahi was my favorite. Portions sizes were generous, but there were no leftovers! ;)
(5)
chris m.

great stuff. the chalkboard had fresh catches that can be prepared three ways cornbread and butter was great. i chose blackened with mahi mahi. interesting plate. nicely done. jalapeno cream sauce was a bit to burrrr blanc for me - not enough heat but I was loving it all the same. apps included foi gras with pickles. freaking awesome. the crab dip was crabby more than cheesy - also excellent. staff said its super popular bri had lobster Mac and cheese which was great with fontina. super rich. had a Caesar which was nothing special. two tiny anchovies. I had 6 of the sea wing oysters raw - great presentation and these oysters were great - crazy fat, not salty at all, slightly liquidy wait staff said they were from the gulf? warm water oysters? whaaaaattttt?
(5)
Brandon H.

This is the second time at Goin Costal and the results were the same. Just great! First time with family this time just my wife and I. We sat at the bar, had great service, had great food, had a great time. That's about the best thing I can say about a restaurant. It was great.
(5)
Ludy V.

They would have gotten 5 stars if they had not run out of $5 a dozen oysters... We just didn't know... You can reserve a table and your oysters... So we ate from the regular menu which we were planning to do anyway, but when your mouth is ready for oysters and they run out - it's a big waaah! The fried shrimps are perfectly done- super fresh, tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside- not too heavily battered. I wish they had tartar sauce - cocktail sauce was fine but the only other choice is a remoulade that does not work with my slight allergy to raw garlic...
(3)
Sandra F.

Fresh seafood at it's finest. This is located in the Virginia Highland area. My only con is the the parking. Very small. We dined in on a Saturday and only had to wait 30 minutes. The hostess checked in on us to see if we were okay and would let us know when our table would be ready. Once we were seated, the server waited on us right away. I got the Bourbon Salmon which was seasoned and marinated. So delicious. I got a side of mashed potatoes which was whipped and very creamy. The red wine was also complimented well with the fish. Unfortuntately we did not get dessert, but I know that I will be returning. Restaurant and restroom clean. Great atmosphere and overall awesome experience.
(5)
Agata R.

Yum yum yummy seafood, among the freshest in the city and expertly prepared. I really like their wine selections as well. It's pricey, but if that's what it takes to support sustainable seafood, I'm willing to shell out. My husband and I feel very lucky that this is a neighborhood joint for us.
(4)
Matt B.

A tad pricey and the parking is terrible, but this is one of the best seafood joints in Atlanta. Their portions are a little small (I joked that my blackened swordfish was more of a daggerfish) but they're delicious. I tried the flounder as well and it was just as good. Like many have already written, if you get there late, you can forget about them having any oysters in stock, but the fish is well worth the trip.
(4)
Matthew W.

I give 3 starts because the service was awesome, but the food was mediocre. Three meals and 2 drinks cost us $115 after tip, and that was disappointing. I in no way feel that the food lived up to that value. My Redfish was over cooked. I had mine blackened, and it was weak; any day of the week I can make better blackened fish at home. On the blackened plate the fish is served unceremoniously on a bed of cheese grits. Want something green? That's extra. I also got to taste the fried catfish and hush puppies. The catfish was also bland, it needed salt and a heavier hand with the seasonings. The tarter-like sauce that it came with was tangy and bright, definitely where the seasoning was, but if you weren't apt to eat the sauce, the flavor was left on the side. Asparagus was the veg of the day, it's out of season this time of year, but nonetheless it was tender and prepared well. The other meal we had was swordfish served in their miso style. I didn't taste it but the responses to "how is it?" was a shoulder shrug and "ok". The potential is there to make one feel like the experience was worth the money, but the food needs to improve a little more at these prices.
(3)
Abbie B.

Total waste of time. Very disappointed that nowhere on their website nor on the reviews does it say you need a reservation. My friends and I came from Fort Lauderdale Florida and were visiting Georgia and came to this restaurant that we saw had great reviews, we were rudely turned around after being told that they had no room or no seating and we're not taking reservations until 8:45 PM. It is understandable that maybe we need a reservation but the rude way in which it was told by the hostesses who were having a conversation amongst themselves and not even paying attention to the front door was unacceptable.
(1)
Shaye B.

I have only been here a few times for brunch so I am not sure what their dinner options are. I think the brunch menu is a bit too limited, it is nearly impossible to bring someone who doesn't eat seafood here. Albeit it is called "Goin' Coastal" I think restaurants - especially brunch places - should offer a more rounded menu..too many people have weird diet restrictions now a days. Each time I come here, I order the same bloody mary - the with a big prawn garnish - and it tastes drastically different each time, which is kind of a bummer because it was the best the first time I ordered it! The location is great and its worth coming too if you don't have a brunch reservation anywhere else, but I don't think this brunch place is anything to rave about. Since I do love seafood I think if I make it here for dinner one night my opinion on the place would change because I really like the atmosphere of a smaller restaurant.
(3)
Nedra W.

In a search of places to eat this past Sunday stumbled across this gem in my list of restaurants to try out. Yes, I did say list(I'm a foodie) lol. My party ended up eating at the bar instead of waiting for a table. We were hungry so we didn't want to wait on a table. I tried the Shrimp and Grits and it was amaze balls. Everyone in my party was pleased and we will definitely be going back. Joey was our server/bartender and he was great. I can't wait to go back. My cousin was pleased with her cocktails.
(5)
Bill D.

Among the best Fried Shrimp ( one of my truly guilty pleasures) in town. Always enjoy this tiny yet lively spot. Bar dining is right up there amongst he best for me as well.
(5)
Mary W.

Great food and great service. Lobster mac n cheese was full of lobster. Seafood risotto was excellent and the seafood bowl was really yummy. Only minor negative was that the shrimp were overcooked. Favorite part of meal was the crab dip appetizer. Well worth the annoying lack of parking in Virginia Highlands.
(4)
Krista H.

My friends and I made a reservation for Goin' Coastal since they were advertising their $5 dozen oysters on Wednesday night. We had the reservation for 7:15pm. They sold out of their oysters by 7:30pm. One of our guests was running late due to horrible parking in the Va-Hi and he missed out. I think it is a scam. Also, it takes 15 minutes to get drink orders. I rarely give bad reviews but this was very disappointing. Don't advertise oyster night and only have a few dozen to offer your customers. You know they are coming in for the oysters for that evening so order properly. I hope this changes.
(2)
Kelsey M.

Great wait staff....came during restaurant got a good sampling not much otions for kids....but the food was tasty definitely will come again next time im in the Atlanta......
(5)
Matthew V.

Stop by for brunch after church.. Today was my 1st time here. Food was really good. Fresh, hot, and came out really fast. It wasn't crowded at all. I really enjoyed it and will be going back soon.
(5)
Alex C.

Great food. But definitely price. You get what you pay for here, and that's not a bad thing. I won't be coming here too often due to the price point, but it will be an occasional seafood treat when I'm in need for some food seafood.
(4)
Rob L.

First, it would behoove you to make reservations on Friday and Saturday nights. Second, MAKE RESERVATIONS. Now, the service was great. Our waitress was not pushy or overbearing and made some good suggestions. The food was excellent (I had a seafood risotto) & the libations just right. I'll be back!!
(4)
David H.

We decided to do Going Coastal for Sunday brunch with the grandparents. It was surprisingly quiet for that time, giving us plenty of room in the restaurant. The menu is relatively small, so there isn't a huge amount of items to look at. It's divided into a few sections: brunch, booze, sandwiches/salads, benedicts and entrees. Almost everything is fried, but if you ask, they will grill it. I had the special-- cod with veggies. The fish was well cooked and seasoned, still extremely moist. While the breakfast potatoes were delicious, they were far from the mixed veggie selection I was anticipating. Prosciutto wrapped asparagus topped the meal off. All in all, a little unhealthier than expected at a seafood restaurant, but delicious. Don't forget to visit the gelato store in the area!
(4)
Cartha P.

The Food was AWSOME!!! We had the Seafood Platter and Blue Crab Dip!! Great will be going back!!!
(5)
Jennifer P.

This is a cute seafood spot for a date night or with a small group of friends. Crablegs are fresh and tasty. Their Lobster Mac and cheese is really good too. I love the location as well since you can walk around Virginia Highland after your dinner. You can also enjoy some Paolo's Italian Gelato & ice cream right next door.
(4)
Leanne E.

What a meal! We chose The Dip as our appetizer. It was creamy delicious and we left no morsels in the dish. I ordered a whole Maine Lobster- delicious! I've never met a crustacean that I did not love. My sweetie chose the salmon which he enjoyed. All in all, a good meal, attentive staff, and great atmosphere. I will definitely return!
(4)
Joe S.

In from Colorado and came here last night with a group of friends - and had a great evening with some wonderful food! Setting was great- cozy space with a good crowd, and we were seated right away. Cornbread and drinks were on the table before we knew it and our server was on top of it all night. I got the "skinny" tuna (which was excellent) and the rest of the table enjoyed theirs as well. Two of our dishes did come out cold so the server and manager took them right back and reserved them hot - and then brought out a few complimentary deserts as a nice gesture. Classy and great customer service - we will be back, and want to try the golf cart pickup next time!
(5)
Dustin T.

Just to update this... Last time I dined here I once again had the mussels and this time found them to be very typical to the size I'm accustomed to receiving at other establishments. Also, the guy sitting next to me this time had a filet mignon (which is served Oscar style - a.k.a. w/ lump crab on top) prepared a perfect medium rare... which looked absolutely fantastic!
(4)
Lynn P.

My husband and I had a great date night here! The oysters were perfect and our entrees were delicious! The course delivery was also timed correctly by a friendly waitstaff. I'll update to 5 stars if the beer selection and ambience are both improved a bit. We will definitely return!
(4)
Jennifer K.

Was here end of last year. Staff super friendly! Totally cheated with diary and fried foods. (I AM A CHEATER!!!!) Can appreciate simple set up -since food is good! Had the shrimp and crab dip. Fried oysters and shrimp and grits. Seafood cooked perfectly. Will definitely cheat again with this place.......
(4)
martha m.

Went back for $20 lobster night and had a nice time. Lobster was good. Sides okay. Service was great.
(4)
Krysta B.

I LOVED this place! Everything was delicious. I ordered the scallops with pesto risotto it was amazing! Very filling of course, rich and flavorful. There is no shortage of food with each dish. The scallops are large and prepared to perfection! The peel and eat jumbo shrimp was easy to peel and not overly cooked like some places can do! All around every bite was so full of abundant flavor! Highly recommend!
(4)
Dan M.

The food was excellent - probably the best seafood I have had in Atlanta. The service was good, not great. The guy who brought our plates to the table was in such a hurry that he didn't place them in front of us. My wife's plate was literally hanging off the table, which was surprising given the prices. As I said, the food is wonderful. The prices are expensive. The ambience is surprisingly pub-like for the price. The food says "we have gone out for a special dinner." The atmosphere says, "stop by for a pint after the game" My wife had the salmon, which she really loved. I had the grouper in the coconut ginger sauce, which I highly recommend. If based on the food alone, the rating would be five stars. I will be back - not regularly- it is just a little too expensive for that. But I will definitely be back.
(4)
Twanda E.

I went here with on a sister-friend date and had a relaxing time with great food. I love the freshness of the food. I had the catch of the day (forgot what it was) in a tomato sauce (skinny). It was good. We came on a restaurant week so it was a pseudo-prix fixe. My meal was accompanied by the chowder which was a little salty for my taste. I substituted for the caesar salad; you can never mess up a caesar salad.
(4)
Michael F.

The food is a 5 star. Had amazing appetizers and dinner was fantastic too Only short fall is the overall Beer list is tiny. More wine options. If beer list was as extensive as wine would be 5 star Great staff serving you!!
(4)
Lisette R.

I had my first Goin' Coastal experience on Wednesday 7/30/14. Drawn in by the idea of $5 oysters, I was blown away by dinner. First things first, I didn't even get oysters lol. But it's ok, no regrets here! For appetizers we got the crab cake and the crab dip, delish! Entrees were the low country, for the man, and I got the shrimp & grits. Along with the 2 glasses of Chenin blanc, man! Let me tell you! I woke up the next day STILL full! Being a northerner, I'm glad to have delicious, fresh seafood at a decent price right in my favorite part of town! Next on my list: $20 whole lobster Mondays!
(5)
Robbie M.

I had just finished a 7 day cruise and wanted to eat some really good seafood or fish. Going Coastal was an excellent choice. Creative cocktails. I had the Yule Tide, a cider based grog. My appetizer was an oyster with poek belly dish. They should have advertisedbit as a pork belly dish with a couple of oysters. Too much pork belly with two tiny oysters. Tasty but the pork overwhelmed the oysters. My entree was a citrus topped fish I think halibut, with mashed plantains. The sauce was divine a spicy tang to the citrus. Plantains roughly mashed with seasoning that complimented the fish. Definitely need to make reservations. We got there early enough to find a spot at the bar. The seafood bowl looked yummy and my friend's risotto was very tasty.
(5)
Dani M.

I'd first heard about Goin Coastal in Creative Loafing with the $1 mimosa ad and thought, oh yea I Gotta check this spot out! What's not to love about brunch and mimosas on sale?? lol I took a nice walk down Highland to N Highland and ended up at Virginia Ave and had my pick of several spots, but Goin Coastal was indeed the best choice! To start, there was no wait, and ample seating with enough windows to do some fun people-watching of all the Poncey-Highlanders. They serve this scrumptious, soft, fresh banana bread when you order, and let me tell you - I did Not want to share! I killed that bowl! When my boyfriend finally arrived I had to order him his own bowl. The menu is filled with choices for seafood and brunch, and since I'm huge on seafood and need to eat light these days, I was more than pleased. There's also a couple daily specials you won't find on the menu, and I'm big on specials so I went for that. Mine was a scramble with crab meat I believe - so delicious. The servers are quick and professional, and very nice. The place is clean and spacious. You can easily find street parking so that's not an issue either.
(5)
Tae S.

Omg I don't think any of the food here is bad. I absolutely enjoyed everything I tasted at our table. The atmosphere is quaint and cozy and would be great for a date or group of friends. The portions are just right and not overwhelming. You must try the Moscow mule if you drink alcoholic beverages. It can be difficult to find parking, which can be frustrating but once you eat you will forget about it. The service was good as well. Great place to go.
(5)
Denise D.

WE ate there today for Mother's day. I was a little sad that the evening menu wasn't available, but we made it work anyway.The bartender Daniel was the best part of the day. He was friendly (but not too friendly...I hate that) and honest about his favorites on the menu. We don't always listen and today was no exception. LOL. They didn't have raw oysters on the brunch menu, but they shucked a dozen for us any way and they were the absolute best part of the meal. Perfectly clean with no grit or shell and delicious. Best fresh oysters I have ever had in Atlanta. My husband got the fresh black grouper and 3 pepper hash and it was also outstanding. My daughter and I opted for fried seafood and unfortunately it was left in the fryer for about 2 minutes 2 long and the shrimp were hard as rocks. The oysters were from a big canister of oysters and they did have some grit. I kicked myself for not getting the special. We will return for Wednesday oyster nights for 5 bucks a dozen. They were that good. They gave me a lovely rose for mother's day and daniel was a very competent bartender/server. I do recommend going.
(4)
Bill F.

We gave Goin' Coastal another chance and it was not good. Surprisingly unattractive presentation of a decent tuna tartar. Chunks of tuna stuffed into a small parfait glass was tasty though. The main course was a dried out, flavorless swordfish. Really sad when a restaurant that specializes in seafood cannot cook fish right. There must be better choices for seafood elsewhere in Atlanta.
(1)
Blair B.

Eh. Meal was pretty bland overall. Smaller portions and high prices. The server screwed up our meal twice. Told us the wrong side, forgot our "complimentary" cornbread, and brought my husband the wrong dish. Best part of dinner was the gelato shop next door.
(2)
Lindsay G.

Our first time to Goin Coastal and we really enjoyed it! Made a reservation for 8:15 on Saturday night, got in right on time. Even though we arrived later in the dinner service, there were still plenty of fresh fish options available on the "chalkboard" fish of the day menu. We started with the muscles; served in coconut ginger sauce ( not sure if sauce is the right word) which was amazing. Comes with two big pieces of fresh bread to soak up some of that great flavor. We also had clam chowder, which had a very earthy taste. As a new englander I thought it was decent but there was a slight after taste I personally didn't care for, however I'd give it another go round. For our entree I had the seafood risotto which was so so creamy and filled with fresh scallop and shrimp ( I left out the fish) and my friend had one of the specials which was a surf and turf penne with mushrooms. The steak was rare and tender and the shrimp perfect. Flavor a were outstanding! Our server Polina was amazing. She took the time to explain menu items to us, she was very knowledgeable and had great timing. She was attentive yet allowed us to enjoy our time together. We decided after offering dinner to try the Myagi Oysters (DO IT) which were fresh in! I respect any restaurant that serves their cocktail sauce with extra horseradish in case you want more of a kick. Polina came by to ask us how they were. We said great but he last two were a little frozen so we were letting the rest thaw. It was not said as a complaint but within 5 minutes one of the chefs (Cristina) I believe came out with more oysters for us. She said the cooler had been a little cooler and temperature control had been a slight challenge on this evening. They did not have to do that but felt that since the oysters were somewhat pricey it was the right thing to do! I will definitely come back and recommend this place to anyone who wants to eat good and support sustainable food practices! Cheers
(5)
Tashia Z.

Dinner at Goin' Coastal was part of my BF's birthday surprise for me. I loved everything: the atmosphere is cozy and warm, the service was impeccable, and the food was very good. I had some kind of fizzy adult beverage, which was a little weak. All in all, I loved the fresh fish, the sides were great and the cornbread was delicious. I can't wait to return!
(4)
Chris T.

Went on a Sunday for brunch. Had 1 dollar mimosa's(they weren't large but they satisfied their intent). Had the gravy with biscuit, scrambled eggs and fruit on the side. Wonderful service and yummy food. Friend has shrimp and grits and she wished she could have the recipe. Nice spot and worth the visit.
(4)
Al B.

Very good food and atmosphere. Its in a great neighborhood.
(4)
Hanh C.

lobster mac and cheese was ridiculously good for the tummy. oysters were good, smaller portions--so it left us craving for more. cesaer salad was yummy and had whole anchovies. the cornbread complimentary side was great and lovely buttered up. had a wide selection of fish. looking forward to trying next time. can't wait to come back.
(4)
George B.

Surprising find!! Our server, Paige, was outstanding and the food was fantastic. We had a party of five and everything was great - Sunday brunch specials as well as the crab cakes, lobster roll, steak and eggs AND the"I can't believe I drank that much last night biscuits". I sampled everything and can recommend them all!
(5)
Kelvin M.

A nice small quaint seafood restaurant in the middle of the Virginia Highlands. I consider this now my favorite place for seafood in Atlanta. We had the Swordfish on the fresh fish menu and the Lobster Mac & Cheese on their regular menu. Had the mussels as a starter at the bar while we waited 35 minutes or so to be seated. So definitely making a reservation. But this place is well worth the wait.
(5)
Vanessa L.

Quickly turning into one of my favorite restaurants. So far, I've visited for drinks/apps and dinner. Both times we sat at the bar and had attentive, friendly service. I highly recommend the lobster roll (come hungry because it's packed with lobster!). Also notable is the trout pate. My boyfriend had a full Maine lobster and enjoyed every single bite. The sauteed spinach was a bit too salty/garlicky for my taste, but a small compliant for such wonderful experiences otherwise. Also, cornbread is complimentary and it. is. delicious. Great wine selection and tasty cocktails. It's been fairly busy on both occasions (a Saturday and Monday night), so I'd suggest making reservations if you can but I don't think it's necessary. We'll certainly be back time and again. Highly recommended -- you won't be disappointed!
(4)
Brittany N.

Nice atmosphere, our server name was Joey & he was very nice. The food was worth the price but a little salty. I had the "Yelp pickles" as my waitress called them & for an entree I had the fried shrimp. My family had the Lobster mac, Oyster Rockefeller, Seafood broil, & Shrimp & grits they were all pleased with their entree. I'm still not convinced that it's the best seafood restaurant but it was good, not something I would just have to go back to. I gave it 3 starts because It wasn't nothing spectacular, I've had better! Try it out for yourself.
(3)
Duc L.

So I'm usually never in the Virginia Highland area so I'm new to everything around here. Girlfriend was in town and she was craving seafood so we decided to try this place out. My first time, not hers. She apparently knew what she wanted. This place is good though. A bit higher tier on seafood, but I say you pay for good seafood in the Atlanta area though. So expect walking out with a bill about $50 for a appetizer and 2 entrees, which I honestly don't think is a bad deal for 2 people considering it's seafood. If you're complaining about prices, did that 3 $ sign not give you a clue? As you sit down, instead of regular bread, they give you sweet cornbread. Man, do I love cornbread, but more importantly, SWEET cornbread. I loved this cornbread. Let me tell you. Soft, flakey, had a nice chew to it. I would order this as a side. So like everyone here has said, you HAVE to get the mussels. It will be the best $10 you have spent in this restaurant. You think you're gonna get a measly bowl of mussels that can barely feed anyone right? No. This is a legit entree replacement right here. Nice and large, juicy mussels that will wow you in every sense. We also ordered the lobster mac n' cheese along with the bowl which consisted of shrimp, mussels, fish, tomatoes, corn, scallops, and sausages. Now as for portion servings, I thought each one of the three was generous in what they served. The mac n cheese was literally what you expect. Nice large chunks of lobsters floating somewhere in that casserole dish of mac-n-cheese which happens to be a blend of 3 cheeses. It tasted really rich in my opinion, a lot of cheddar cheese. I think it's more cheesy and less creamy if that matters to you at all. There was one piece of lobster claw that wasn't even bothered to be cut up, just that 3/4 piece of claw all in one piece. Don't care, i'm having me a lobster piece it looks like. Not the best mac-n-cheese I've ever had, but I'll give it top 4. The bowl could be left to be desired. They only included one piece of scallop which I wished at least make it 2 pieces, they had at least two pieces of everything else. The fish piece there was a bit different, but welcomed. Fresh, not fishy, flaky. Sausage bits were small, but I would've liked them more if they were bigger in size. The sauce that everything was in was a tomato fish stock (that's what it was listed) but tasted a bit too....tomato? It took away some of the seafood taste in my opinion. Overall, I think I over ordered. I would've been happy with more cornbread, an order of mussels and possibly the mac-n-cheese. And this is for a party of 2. I share everything, not ordering for an entree just for myself, so I can see someone getting tired of the mac-n-cheese very quickly if that is your entree (just food for thought). I nearly got full on the mussels which took me by surprise. Man, I think i'm still going on about those mussels....I can't be the only one right?
(4)
Toby M.

The food was EXCELLENT. I would give this 5 stars if they didn't seat us at 9pm for and 8pm reservation. Also, it took another 20 minutes just to get our drinks out. With that said, very good food. I hope they work out the service kinks as 1hr wait is totally unacceptable for a reservation.
(3)
Andrew F.

Definitely enjoy this place! They have great daily specials (we especially like the $5 dozen oyster special on Wednesdays). However, the bartender on Wednesday, Evan, is the main reason we like coming here. He has the perfect personality to fit the atmosphere and is always on point with helping us out with the food and drinks here. This has become our go-to spot for Wed Night.
(5)
mary r.

THEY NEED TO DEBEARD THE MUSSELS!! My husband and I decided to try Goin Coastal as we were craving a nice piece of fish. We sat at the bar and started with a cocktail. Mine was okay, a gin and champagne drink; mostly champagne, not much gin. My husband ordered the bourbon drink, similar to an old fashioned. It was mainly ice, just a few sips of the overly sweet drink. Not a good value for $12. Our first food item was the mussels. They came in a watery coconut broth. Of course, the first two mussels were good, which is what we told the server when asked. While the mussels were large, they were not well cleaned. There was grit in every subsequent bite. I found two beards in the broth and more in the mussels. My husband had one mussel that tasted off, so we quit trying to be brave and stopped. We left over half of the order. I find it very surprising that when most of the food is not eaten, the server does not question the customers satisfaction. My husband ordered the mahi mahi coastal style. It arrived overcooked, the burre blanc was thin and the spaghetti squash and smashed potatoes were forgettable. After telling the server I was allergic to horseradish and wanted hot sauce, I ordered the fried shrimp and catfish. Of course it arrived with cocktail sauce and no hot sauce. I asked again and she disappeared for several minutes, while my food cooled before returning with the hot sauce. The fried food was good, but nothing special. The kitchen seemed to be in the weeds, perhaps due to a private party in a back room. The expediter spent a lot of time explaining rather basic premises to several line cooks. When we got home, my husband got sick....from the bad mussel?? So so service, bad cocktails, bad mussels, over cooked fish and good fried food. Not worth the price. It does not merit another visit. Yuck.
(1)
Jeff H.

Perfect place for seafood. It's always a trustworthy place for quality seafood. The oysters are amazing. The bar is small however worth waiting for a seat. The view of the kitchen is fun to watch the masters prepare the fresh fish.
(4)
Scott H.

Great cocktails, amazing sea food, and brunch bannana bread. They get FIVE stars for Sunday brunch, amazing in house hollandaise on delightful variations on eggs benedict. FOUR stars the rest of the time, and that's only because there are so many other good choices in the immediate area. I love that they focus on sustainable fisheries and amazing oysters.
(5)
Jim B.

I got a very serious case of seafood poisoning after eating here and would advise caution. I have not been that sick in many years.
(1)
linda c.

Good ATL seafood. Perfect serving size, not too much, not too little. Nice little neighborhood joint with a nice vibe.
(4)
Aaron S.

First, I would like to thank the manager/owner (whose name escapes me at this time) for graciously hosting me and my family for my birthday celebration. His professionalism and service were perfectly complemented by the amazing food that unique Atlanta gem creates. Second, the word that comes to mind when eating there is, quite simply, fresh. Me and my entire family enjoyed the cuisines from the fried fish to the oysters from the raw bar. Third, the desserts were hand made from scratch with lots of love. Almost as if someone's mother or grandmother prepared these with lots of butter and love. Actually, it might have been prepared by someone in ownerships's mama. The pecan was especially good. They served cupcakes and cobbler that was also quite delectable. Fourth, the atmosphere reminded me of enjoying the low country in SC. I felt like I enjoyed a sweet tea from a mason jar on my neighbor's porch. Please go whenever you can. You won't be disappointed. I know I wasn't. (written on behalf of the most amazing woman on earth)
(4)
Midtown G.

Awesome service at the bar on 10/27 for a first date. I called and made a reservation and two seats were waiting for us. Great ahi tuna, followed by mussels and crab cakes. You can't go wrong with this neighborhood gem, bar none!
(5)
Alex O.

Great fish. The Oysters were good too. I'd gladly go back. There are other seafood Restaurants in Atlanta. They are in Buckhead and are over-priced and decorated in the 1990's this is great little place. All the food was wonderful and the service was great.
(4)
Matt S.

Sometimes in life not everything falls into place as you'd like and how you react to that makes all the difference. The staff at Goin' Coastal certainly reacted with professionalism to what started off as a not-quite-what-we-were-hoping-for experience. We had an Open Table reservation and were 7 minutes late, but I had called to alert them and they said no problem. The hostess told us, upon arrival, our table was not ready yet (no problem for us at all) and that we could grab a drink at the bar. We got drinks at the bar and the chef himself asked us if we needed anything. We told him we had a free pickle deal through Yelp and that we were good as we were waiting for a table. 4 drinks and about 45 minutes later the hostess still had not gotten us a table so we asked her. She said she thought we had just decided to eat at the bar instead of a table. Not a huge deal, but we both felt she should have at least confirmed with us if we still wanted a table, which we did. The chef apologized and carried our drinks to our table for us; a humble task for a head chef/owner. Our server arrived promptly and said she would get us some water. We wanted bottled water so I asked another employee to please inform our server. A few minutes later, our server arrived again and said it would be just a minute on the water. Again, no problem for us. I had a brunch menu so I asked for a dinner menu, and we thought our pickles from the bar would be brought over like the drinks - they were, about 5 minutes later. Again, all of these are minor issues, but they were starting to add up. On to the important stuff - the food. The menu is fairly expansive offering a plethora of fresh, sustainable seafood options. Very nice and responsible to find a chef who cares about future generations. We started with one of the 3 types of baked oysters. Our's had parmesean and bacon. The oysters were a good size, but the cheese was a bit heavy handed and overpowered the fresh oysters. I took the topping off of my second one and it was perfect! There was just the essence of the cheese and bacon - just enough to compliment the oyster's flavor. A comlimentary salad (don't know if everyone gets one or if it was because of the prior "snafus", but either way it was a nice touch) was brought to us family style with chilled salad plates for each of us. I am a stickler for little nuances like a chilled salad plate, so big points on that! The salad ingredients were super, super fresh - almost as if they had just been picked. Entrees were the red snapper in the "baked" sauce (a rich, hearty tomato sauce) and the pan seared scallops with pesto and white truffle risotto. We both felt the tomato sauce was a bit heavy for the fish although the sauce itself was extremely flavorful, rich, and imbued with deep flavor - it actually tasted amazing with some of the risotto from the scallops! The scallop dish was refined and perfectly balanced. Truffles/truffle oil are very easy to get heavy-handed with and I've experienced this way too often. The chef truly knew what he was doing with this one! Just the perfect amount of truffle essence to compliment, not overpower, the delicate richness of the scallops, and masterfully paired with a perfectly cooked, creamy risotto with just enough pesto to add some brightness and freshness to what could have been a heavy dish. Lastly, and this isn't on the menu, but they do offer "side" portions of the lobster mac-n-cheese, a rich, dish possibly infused with a bit of tomato(?) and lobster with lots of cheesey goodness. I nearly forgot the collards! Being from the South I have strict gudelines to how collards should be cooked and how they should taste. And I take them seriously. These had the perfect texture, the perfect acidity, and the perfect heat. Honestly, I only think my collards are better (and being from the South, I will never admit that anyone's collards are better than mine - too much pride!) Bravo and highly recommended! Oh, our water eventually arrived, brought to us by the manager, "Bash". Apparently they do not offer bottled water, but rather than saying "no", the manager literally ran across the street to a convenience store to get us 2 bottles of water. Sometimes things don't go your way and how you deal with them makes all the difference. Things may not have started off with a bang, but the staff took every measure of professionalism to make sure they ended with a bang! Many thanks to everyone who went above and beyond to give us a great experience.
(4)
Christina W.

Took my husband here for his Birthday. I have to eat Gluten Free and I was excited when I saw the many gluten free items online. However, when I got to the restaurant I found the actual menu a bit different. Our great waitress Paige explained that they were in the process of changing their menu and would be adding more GF options. Other than that we had a fantastic meal. My tile fish in beurre blanc was exceptional. My husband had the big eye tuna and it was delish! My daughter had the fried shrimp and she said they were amazing. The tartar sauce definitely tastes homemade and it was outstanding! I let them know ahead of time that it was my husband's birthday when I made the reservation. They had a cute happy birthday chalkboard sign on the table when we arrived. The French 75 cocktail was refreshing. We will be going back! Fantastic experience. Once they get more GF options they most certainly will get five stars!
(4)
Gillian N.

Cannot say enough good things about Goin' Coastal! As a VaHi denizen, one of my favorite things about my neighborhood is our variety of restaurants, so I was a little skeptical of another seafood place, having already been to Fontaine's. HOWEVER, GC blew me away. The drinks are fantastic, and they are happy to customize them - I ordered the basil lemonade cocktail but did not want it sweet. My server told me she could have them leave out the simple syrup and BAM. Perfect drink (and fewer calories!). My table had Caesar salad, lobster mac, and oysters. All perfect. Salad was cold, crisp, and fresh, lobster mac was creamy and decadent (definitely a sharing plate), and the oysters were amazingly fresh. Our server, Erin, was super sweet and attentive, too. Will definitely be back - maybe tonight!
(5)
Steven S.

Awesome little seafood joint in the Highlands. We visited on a Wednesday night for their $5.00 dozen oysters. What a deal! Between the 4 of us, we had 5 dozen oysters, drinks, lobster hush puppies, muscles & lobster bisque for $80.00! Definitely worth the price for the quality of seafood we received. I will absolutely return for another Wednesday night in the near future!
(5)
Jennifer R.

Food and manager are awesome- ambiance has a lot of room for improvement. The pros: It is refreshing and exciting to have a high-quality, sustainable seafood restaurant in the city. The quality of the fish is top notch and the scallops were the best I've ever had in Atlanta- large, fresh and perfectly prepared. The sides and fillings are all very rich, Southern style. I didn't mind that, but my husband wasn't crazy about cheeses grits and creamy mashed potatoes. I have two food intolerances and the manager, (Bash), personally came to the table to discuss and help me navigate menu options that would be safe for me. The cons: Seating is cramped, likely due to the small venue. The chairs aren't very comfortable either- they kind of make you feel like your at a cheap fish bar in Florida. It creates a disconnect between the high-quality food, (and prices). Also, the exhaust hood was not keeping up with the kitchen grill. Two times during our meal it smelled like someone lit a backyard BBQ about 10 feet from our table. We ended up walking out reaking of smoke and fryer grease. -Not exactly the experience you want when you spend $125 for 2 people, 2 beers each. I give it 3 starts b/c I think there is a lot of room for improvement on ambiance, not b/c of the food quality.
(3)
Michael L.

We came here during Atlanta Restaraunt week to celebrate our anniverary- the place was crazy (as expected)! They were running a bit behind with regards to their reservations, so we waited for another 25-30 minutes. Not a problem, totally understandable. We ordered the mussels as an appetizer, and I was pleasantly suprised at both the bold flavor of the broth as well as the portion size of the dish! The sun-dried tomatoes really made the broth shine, and it really as a great bread dipping sauce as well- wifey had to stop me from eating too much bread. (4.5) She ordered the Blackened Scallops- unfortunately, they were WAY salty. We had to keep scraping away at the spice to make it even close to palatable. Pass on this one. (2.5) I ordered the "Bowl"- A really tasty alternative interpretation of traditional seafood cioppino (at least that's what I thought it was). I've had some really good cioppino at certain places (ie., Scoma's in Sausalito, CA), and I'd say that this one comes close in terms of sheer flavor of their broth. What makes their rendition an "alternative" is their significant use of carrots in the broth, which provides an extra dimension of sweetness to the usual tomato base. The generouse portion of seafood was fresh and not overcooked. (4.5) The Oregonian Pinot Grigio was a perfect complement to our meal. Given how seafood joints have a difficult time around where I live in Decatur, I'd be willing to scrounge for parking in the highlands to come back again. Solid spot.
(4)
Ana M.

OKAY, OKAY, I was wrong. and unfair. and maybe a little rushed to judge Goin' Coastal.... (there, I said it. here's the humble pie and I am eating it) I now think this is a wonderful neighborhood restaurant I am glad to have it walking distance to me, and here is why. Since my last review over 6 months ago, I went with the bf in a rainy weekday. The space seemed less crammed- tables were more spaced out, every party was in their own little table world and not overhearing the conversations of others. The service IS awesome, though I already knew that. The mac and cheese is still my favorite, but now I also really like the bowl of mussels. The mussels are perfectly cooked, in this beautiful broth tasting of wine, butter, garlic and some other delicate flavors that warm the soul. Their menu is varied, and there's something for most tastes. I keep wanting to try a fish in the miso broth, but always default to the mussels or the mac and cheese. (I do need to branch out). The cornbread with chopped green bell peppers is addictive. The cocktail list is inventive, and I commend them for making a spin on the caipirinha. As an appreciator of cachaÃ§a-based cocktails (as most brazilians would be), I appreciate their nod to this delicious liquor, and to realize that it blends well with apples... something a whole nation never really figured out. The weekday specials sound awesome, but I have yet to try them (lobster entrÃ©e for $20 on monday/prime rib for $15? on tuesday/oysters some other day... ok I forget but they are all very reasonable). The lobster mac and cheese were made by gods. The bar is always thriving with regulars and the staff are really upbeat.
(4)
John S.

We wanted good seafood and after doing some research we landed on Goin' Coastal. The restaurant was fantastic. The ambiance was great but be aware that some of the tables are pretty close together. I ordered the grits and my wife got the bowl. Both dishes were awesome. I really liked her dish and she really liked mine. Be aware that there's no parking lot for the restaurant and you'll have to park on the street. We didn't have a problem finding parking but I could see parking being an issue if you get their late. One last nitpick... both of us had shrimp in our dishes and were disappointed that we both encountered a piece of shell (not on the tail end). Overall, our experience was good and we'd go back.
(4)
Jennifer M.

I wavered between a 3 and a 4. The food itself was a 3 but everything else was a 5 so four it is. Great service, from the hostess to the sever I really appreciated the great service I received. My friend and I were seated in a big comfy booth. We started out with some drinks and the shrimp and crab dip. It was all delicious. Our meals came and the portions did not disappoint. My meal was the boil with crab, potatoes, sausage, corn. It was good, fine I wasn't in love with it. I think that if I had chosen something else I would have enjoyed it more. My friend really enjoyed her chicken (I was craving seafood and she obliged me though she isn't a huge fan). If I hadn't moved from Atlanta I would definitely have been back. Make sure you make reservations. It's located in prime virginia highland territory and gets busty.
(4)
Tiffany H.

WOW. The seafood is very fresh and the service is AWESOME. The entire staff (the host, bartender, and waiter) bent over backwards for us! I chose this place for the BF's "Surprise" B-Day dinner. I don't think I could have made a better pick. They even placed a "Happy Birthday" sign at their largest table! The staff members assisted in the small surprise. They even stored the birthday pie in the freezer for the 2 hours before we arrived and brought a slice to the table! (This the pie was a "inside joke" and they helped it make it so special!) We had a round of appetizers and gin. Craig was courteous and gracious with the birthday boy! His service was impeccable! (We'll be requesting him on every visit from now on.) I know...I've gushed enough. Here's the nitty gritty! LOCATION: It's tucked next to the gelato shop in the heart of the Highlands. Be prepared for street parking at $2.00 an hour or circling to find a neighborhood parking spot. The restaurant is cozy, but not too tight. The area makes for great people-watching, browsing, or boozing. The neighborhood is incredibly safe, family friendly, and mature. FOOD: The crab and shrimp dip is to die for! I tried an Alligator Sausage Gumbo as well. It was fabulous! The Lobster Puffs and the Cakes cakes are small, but filling! The pour on that Tanqueray was all a stressed out b-day planner could ask for! They offer fresh fish daily. I'm eager to try this on another visit. SERVICE: You read the beginning of the review, right? :) One more shoutout to the staff. They really rock! PRICE: We scored 3 appetizers, 1 soup, and 2 Tanqueray Doubles for $67, including a generous tip. --The average cost of a shellfish entree was around $21.00. --If you choose to select a fresh piece of fish, you're in luck. There's a variety of price and taste, depending on the daily catch. (Fish can be served one of six ways. Each preparation has its own accompaniments, side items, and/or sauces.) Additional sides like collard greens or jalapeÃ±o cornbread are only $3! --I'd estimate couple could grab two entrees, an app, two glasses (or a bottle) of wine, and split dessert for $95-$100, including the tip. We'll definitely return. If you follow my reviews, you're aware I'm a softie for great service. The food is priced perfectly. As divers, we love the sustainable angle and understand that this method is more time consuming and difficult. The place is everything you want in a "little seafood place". Give it go!
(5)
Phil H.

The food is unquestionably good, but for an informal restaurant the price is 20% too high. $12 for a shot of blended scotch -- not priced on the menu so without warning -- is way high. There were other examples. So, alas, it is no longer on our list.
(3)
Felicia O.

Amazing scallop risotto and fried seafood platter. The place may be small in size,but their food packs a mean punch!
(5)
Jarrett M.

Hands down the best seafood in Atlanta! I have dined here several times and not once been disappointed. Would recommend to anyone who loves seafood and a good dining experience.
(5)
Jai R.

Serves up yummy fresh seafood items and the waitress gave a speech about how they select the food items based on age or something. I can't say that I remember the speech but I remember that they are environmentally conscience about how they choose which fish they will be cooking. We were first seated at the bar while we awaited for our complete party to arrive. The bartender was really friendly, easy on the eyes and talkative. Yeah, that equals great service. As soon as our party was complete we were seated and addressed by our waitress who took drink orders, ran down the menu and gave a speech on their philosophy. I ordered the crab cake dinner. we were served jalapeno cornbread while we waited. It was OK, I wanted it to be a little more spicy. Our food arrived pretty quickly. The crab cakes were good, I ordered red potatoes and the cucumber/tomatoe salad as my sides. I very much enjoyed them all but they were not outstanding. One of my friends ordered a side of collard greens that were pretty spectacular. Besides that I was not too impressed with my food. However, the service and ambiance was wonderful. This is a place worthy of a revisit.
(3)
Donald L.

A great place that has not been discovered by the masses. I will warn that it is a bit pricey for what it is but it is a favorite for seafood. Atlanta doesn't seem to do seafood very well for a city that is only 1000 ft above sea level but this place is a reliable B+. On Wednesday they have $5 dozen oysters so I would recommend taking advantage and don't feel guilty, they will make up for it on the entrees. It is tight quarters and can be loud, we had a loud group at the bar on our last visit that made conversation difficult in the small dining room.
(4)
Andrea M.

The closest you can get to fresh seafood aside from the beach! Great service- amazing food and not loud. Such a find in Va Highlands. Somewhere that's not advertised much but love they take RSVP and we can't wait to go back!
(4)
Tylar D.

Food was a revelation! They do fish right. I got the swordfish aqi special they had and the fish and accoutrements were to die for! I could have easily eaten a plate of their kale - it's so flavorful and complex! My colleague got their risotto which was so rich and amazing. The service was super incredible too! I couldn't decide on wines so our waiter let me taste some to figure it out. Amazing amazing amazing! I will certainly be back!
(5)
Hung D.

Fresh seafood. Great service. Nice location. Good portions. Typical prices. Need I say more. Wife had swordfish. I had seafood bowl. Awesome. Crab cakes very fresh. Oysters were great.
(5)
Katherine G.

Goin' Coastal This is the Best Seafood in Atlanta? Uh . . . No. I'm an out-of-towner from South Carolina who spent all my summers growing up in the SC Low Country, so I've had some amazing seafood in my life. Given the reviews of this place, my sister and I decided it was worth a try. Woe to us. First, let me tell you the one good detail of this place. The seater (maybe the owner?) was super friendly. That's about it for the good stuff, sadly. To start on this restaurant's problems, let's begin with the obvious: the food. We had what purported to be lobster bisque. If that soup had ever been close to a lobster, it would come as a surprise; there was certainly no lobster in it (there's usually at least a good few chunks or many shreds of lobster meat in a good lobster bisque--which this wasn't). What there was was a metric ton of paprika. If you just can't get enough paprika in your life and were wondering if there were a way to eat it by the bowlful, this soup is for you! Otherwise, God, no. We then moved on to the salad, which came with the entrÃ©e we had ordered. I had no idea there was such a thing as creamy oil and vinegar dressing, but apparently there is, because that's all this one could be defined as. The salad itself was a lot of lettuce with two tiny and utterly-flavorless tomatoes huddling inside it. It wasn't worth the effort of finding them, once we did. Our main course was the Low Country broil (which, I have to say, I've never seen in the Low Country in my life but seems to be a big Georgia thing). The shrimp were okay but very overcooked; the potatoes were startlingly undercooked and flavorless, and the corn was drowned in various, unidentifiable herbs and still had no taste at all (we had asked to have it without the sausage, so I can't report on them). This restaurant also doesn't serve real butter for melted butter but some kind of, supposedly butter-flavored, oil. All in all, a pretty pointless meal. As to the service, it definitely didn't live up to the welcome at the door. The waitress was bored and uninterested. Trying to find her or tackle her to get her attention when we needed anything was nearly impossible. We had to visually stalk her and wait to pounce on her when she came within arm's length; she seemed to purposely look the other way every time, so it was impossible to just catch her eye. It didn't make up for the uninteresting food in any way. This place is tiny, as well, and, if you have to wait for a table, you'll pretty much be standing on top of the people eating at the bar. There's no waiting area at all. The floors are also very slippery, if you've just come in from the rain, as we had. There were several times when I wondered if I were going to end up getting to inspect it at close range, as my shoes tried to slip out from under me repeatedly (I'd been wearing the same shoes in the rain all over town that day, and they had presented no problems anywhere else). One other odd thing: they have candles burning in the bathroom, which smelled nice but were on the floor right next to a giant display of toilet paper. I'm not a fire inspector, but I can't believe that this is really a wise decision. One more detail to give you about this place: they had a board with the specials for the evening, including the drink specials. One of them was a pomegranate-chive-jalapeno mohito. I'm not making that up. I understand wanting to be known for something different, but wouldn't it be better to be known for something good? Of course, this place also suffers from the general problem all those in the area have: there's no parking to be found. You have to find a spot down the street in front of somebody's house, blocks away, and hope you aren't blocking a driveway enough to get towed. This particular complaint isn't Goin' Coastal's fault, of course, but it's certainly not worth the hassle of dealing with all this just to get inedible food and a pointed lack of service. My best advice, if you want good seafood in Atlanta, is to go to Ray's on the River. They're not at all friendly, but the food is delicious, fresh, and well-prepared. Life's just too short to eat bad seafood.
(1)
Tasha A.

Decided to check out Goin Coastal for one of our "date night series." We had no expectations, just wanted some good seafood. I made a reservation on OpenTable, we arrived at our reserved time, but was told that there was still a wait. (Makes me wonder why I made a reservation...the wait wasn't terrible though) Goin Coastal doesn't occupy a huge space, so keep in mind that it is a bit crowded and loud once you're inside. The bar is a little crowded, but it was easy enough to get a menu. To pass time, we grabbed a glass of wine at the bar and set out to people watch while we waited for our space. Our wait, interestingly enough, was only about 10 minutes - we were expecting much worse. On to the food and the service! Within minutes of being seated our waiter came over to tell us about the specials. There were far too many for me to remember honestly! We started our meals out with appetizers, I had the avocado - flash fried - sooooooo freakin good! Boyfriend had the mussels; they looked pretty good. They were cooked in a garlic and white wine sauce...very fragrant, but I didn't try any. For an entree I had the crab cake appetizer and he had the scallops. The crab cake appetizer was just big enough to make it a meal, but small enough to save room for desert! Boyfriend's scallops were pretty good, although a little fishy. I was pretty impressed! To end our meal, we split a key lime tart - so good ladies & gents you must try it! Overall we had a great experience, our server was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. We never felt rush or felt "under served." We'll definitely make our way back there for another date night!
(4)
Tom C.

If you're going to have seafood in ATL, there are better places. This place just fine. I had dinner there last night and was pretty surprised to find a chalkboard with three options---swordfish, salmon, crab legs. I'm not sure why a place that is supposed to be a placet o get lots of fresh seafood would have such limited options. (This is, of course, in addition to the regular menu items, all of which seemed to be primarily starch with some seafood/fish thrown in.) I ordered salmon, which was good. There was nothing particularly exciting about it, other than that it was cooked very well. Everyone seemed happy with their food, though no one was talking about how good the place was. Service was fine, too. At the end of the meal, someone at our table asked for dessert. We were told there were two options - key lime pie or pecan pie. Some folks ordered key lime pie. The waitress came back a few minutes late to tell us there was no dessert. Fine. So, that was the end of the meal. If you're going to go for this kind of place in ATL, try Atlanta Seafood Market or Kyma or Lure. I haven't yet been to The Optimist, but that's next on the list. and I will update to compare once I've been there.
(2)
Lawrence C.

My qualifier for 3/4 stars is 3 stars = willing to go back, and 4 stars = looking forward to return. Certainly a reasonably good selection of fish offerings. The variety of preparations however is much more limiting. Paige, our server was a big plus for the evening. My wife had the snapper, plainly grilled @ $29, and I had the swordfish, special baked (roasted) preparation, like a vera cruz style @ $31. The sides of steamed green beans were perfectly prepared, not overdone as is so often the case. It's nice that they offer many wines by the carafe (2 1/2 glasses) and are flexible about substituting veggies for their house salad. This is a very casual location, and babies in the dining room are the norm, especially at an early hour, so be forewarned. N.B. a gelato store is right next door!!
(3)
Truly A.

went there for a quick meal. love their commitment to serving fresh seafood. the crab cakes were on point, needed a bit more sauce though. the house corn bread with whipped butter was welcoming as i was starving. love that they have filtered water served in small mason jars - how did they know i love drinking out of mason jars! drives me crazy when you go to a high end restaurant and they serve you yucky tap water. they passed on flying colors with having pure filtered water. service was good, all in all a great experience.
(5)
Stef T.

Good spot for brunch lunch or dinner! Always fresh seafood specials, $1 mimosa brunch and amazing complimentary sweet bread. It's a small place but I think they take reservations. Excellent location in the heart of the Highlands.
(4)
Kristin L.

We will definitely be back to try all the things we didn't get to this time. What a lovely place. Good atmosphere, nice but unusual wines, cool cocktails. Fat juicy oysters on the half shell drew us in on a Wednesday evening ($5/dozen!) but we were happy to stay and sample more. Service was friendly and knowledgeable. Thanks, Evan! If you are going for the oysters, call ahead to reserve. Mignonette on request. We ate 2 dozen. We also had the clam chowder (delicious, very tender clams, a bit salty) and the crab cake (very crabby. Yummy sauce). Comfortable setting but still a nice evening. Good, happy crowd. The place filled up about 7:20. Maybe we will see you next Wednesday, Goin Coastal! Put us down for another 2 dozen!
(4)
Denise D.

Complimentary Corn Bread is amazing!! It's so soft and it just falls apart so it's a little hard to get into your mouth but once it is, it's so tasty! It's not too buttery, not too oily, not too moist, but not dry. It's just perfect! The butter tastes a little cheesy imo but it's definitely good- unique. The lobster mac & cheese was great! A little too heavy on the cheese (since I'm not a big cheese fan) imo but my friend loved it! There was so much lobster, probably enough for at least every other bite! I got the Blackened Monkfish with green beans. It was heavenly! The meat was so tender.. when you cut into the fish, the texture is kind of like lobster and it looks kind of like if you were to cut into scallop. I loved how they cooked the fish so simply bc then as I bit into the fish, I could actually taste the freshness of the fish, rather than all the spices and what not that covers the natural fish taste. The lemon added on top gave it a zing, which I love, so of course I added more. The green beans were cooked very simply, which makes it a great compliment to top off the simply cooked fish. Service was great! Our waitress was very sweet, very happy, very quick. Atmosphere was calm but not awkwardly quiet. Definitely a great hang out spot! Cost was worth it. We ordered the two dishes and it came out to be $48. Not bad! Overall: Love! And 10/10 would definitely come back.
(5)
Phil C.

Great little seafood restaurant with sustainable fish everything was cooked to perfection nice portions and very interesting choices I will go again My second visit was good except for a appetizer I ordered peel and eat shrimp, which I had on my last visit and were great, but this time they weren't peel and eat they were peeled then cooked with spices I asked about the discrepancy and was told that was the way they do them I then told her I just had them the right way a week ago.
(4)
Cierra D.

Service was terrible! As soon as my boyfriend and I walked in the host looked confused. I asked her for seating for two. She immediately asked if we had a reservation. We said no and she said we could sit at the bar. She never gave us information on how long it would be until we could get a table. She was so hesitant. We really felt uncomfortable and unwelcomed. Finally after my boyfriend pressed for a table,she walked us to our table, placed our menus down messy and walked away without any good customer service. I was too fed up and told my boyfriend I wanted to leave. When we left, I felt stares from other customers and the host as if I had something on my shirt. We walked across the street to Fontaine's Oyster Bar...we had a great time there instead.
(1)
Dominic M.

The Highlands' sustainable seafood restaurant. Everything is 36hrs from water to door so expect fresh flavorful shrimp & crab au gratin appetizers b/c it's pretty damn tasty! Rotating craft beers make this afternoon date spot a good place for foodies & drinkers alike. ESPN at the bar so you can catch those highlights while the Mrs. chooses between crab cakes or gravlox ....decisions, decisions
(5)
Garrett D.

So after many attempts to make it on a Wednesday, I finally achieved my goal and enjoyed a good meal. A couple things took me by surprise. 1. They now have a limit 1 dozen oysters per customer. I wasn't to happy, but after finishing my meal I was comfortably full. 2. When ordering blackened seafood it's usually a spice they put on the fish. At this restaurant it's how they char the outside of the fish. I ordered Flounder and for the price I didn't want it burnt. Over all though the food was great and the service was right on point. For 2 people, 2 dozen oysters, 2 higher priced meals, and a couple drinks each it came to just over $70. Also they've expanded the restaurant to the other side of the building so it's much larger now. On that note I'll probably return some day, but with all the great seafood place I've herd about it probably won't be anytime soon.
(3)
Dee Dee C.

At first I thought I was going to have to verbally flip a table the first few minutes I settled into Goin' Coastal. For one the online menu and the in-restaurant menu are vastly different, which meant the dish I came for was non-existent. Second, our waitress seemed at first to be too curt for my mom and myself's taste. However, by the time I left Goin' Coastal all was well. Turns out our waitress was a sweetheart who went over and beyond to give my mom, who has a food allergy to walnuts, comp cornbread in place of the comp banana bread. The $1 mimosas were potent; trust me you only need two. My duck confit omelette, although terribly over cooked, was better than expected. The cheese grits were creamy, and tasted magnificent after a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and Splendas. In terms of decor, this place is tiny but uses the space it has wisely. I was concerned I'd be cramped, but that wasn't an issue at all. In addition to being a "sustainable seafood joint" Goin' Coastal uses recyclable takeout products. So if you want to support a green and environmental friendly restaurant this is your place. If you want healthy servings of food, seafood, and cheap mimosas for brunch give them a go.
(3)
Kelly W.

Saturday a group of 12 of us had an early dinner here for my birthday. My husband reserved a big table for us in the private area and it was set up nice & ready to go shortly after we arrived. Our waitress was friendly and gave us great service, she even offered to take a group photo of us as we were leaving. None of us had ever been to this restaurant before, in fact my husband and I picked it based on the good Yelp reviews we read. We all ordered different things across the menu and sampled each other's food. I tried the pimento fritters, parmesan garlic baked oysters and caesar salad for starters. The fritters were super gooey with lots of mayo, if you like mayo you'll love them, unfortunately I'm not a huge mayo fan. The oysters were awesome, loved them! The cornbread & butter was yum! For dinner I had the shrimp & grits, the flavor was good but the grits were pretty thin and the shrimp were not completely peeled or deveined, which was a bummer because other than that it tasted great. My Mom ordered the fried shrimp and hers were partially peeled also. I tried the hush puppies and fries also and they tasted great. After dinner the waitress brought out a birthday slice of pecan pie that was awesome! Def a must try! Overall I think this restaurant was good, we'll be back.
(4)
Keith B.

Gotta Get Goin' We were there early on a Monday evening, so it was a bit quiet. The staff were all pleasant and our server was great and very helpful. They start you off with some very nice cornbread. We had the mussel appetizer was really good with a delicious broth. For mains we had the rainbow trout and the crabcakes. Both were great and with the trout being especially good. The veggie sides were really nice. All in all, a great meal.
(5)
J. D.

Updating to 4 stars. Wonderful staff. Delicious and simple preparations. Sustainable fish. Extra points for really good free corn bread. Here's a tip: sit at the bar and it's like being at the Chef's table.
(4)
Jordan L.

We wife and I were in the mood for seafood and decided to try Goin' Coastal. It's right in the middle of the Virginia Highlands in a walkable area with restaurants, bars, and shops. We arrived at 8:00pm for an 8:45pm reservation, and elected to dine at the bar. The bar manager was busy, but took the time to stop and explain the food and drink menus. She knew the drinks (great beer selection, nice wine list, and craft cocktails), which is to be expected, but she also knew every dish on the food menu, and made recommendations based on what she thought we might like. Our food was fantastic. We had an oyster appetizer followed by the scallops with risotto and a fish selection chosen off of a chalk board with about 8 different "sustainable" options. Everything was high quality and very fresh. The food was seasoned perfectly (not overpowering). Apps and entrees came out quickly despite a very busy kitchen. The food was excellent, the service was amazing, and the restaurant has a fun vibe. We will certainly be back soon.
(5)
Adam P.

I went here on a Sunday, pretty late in the evening (about 8:45). I had also been drinking most of the day, so my memory may not be the best. Anyway, came here with a group of 5 and the place was pretty empty and we sat down right away. Started with the oysters and they were outstanding, then moved to the fried catfish which was also on point. Really enjoyed my meal here, as did everyone I was with. Easily the best seafood meal I have had in Atlanta. My only complaint is there isn't a cheap red win option. If you want red wine, I believe they start at about $60 a bottle. And considering I had been going hard all day to that point, a great bottle of wine wasn't necessary. But overall, I loved this meal and will be back soon.
(5)
Terry V.

Last Saturday a group of 10 of us went to Goin Coastal. Since we had a reservation, they quickly seated us. We started with a variety of appetizers. The Caesar salads were great with just a hint of anchovies. The pimento cheese fritters were baked to perfection. For dinner our group had everything from steak to fish to shell fish. Everything was cooked perfectly and arrived at our table hot. Lastly, out waitress was outstanding. Not only was she pleasant, but always was there when we needed her. She also gave us separate bills, which was really nice for a group of five couples. I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant and can say with confidence that you will have a great meal at this place.
(5)
Chad S.

Food and service was excellent! Joey was our server. I wasn't sure what to get and he was very informative on which way to order each of the types of fish. In the end I told him to surprise me and he came back with a chef special that wasn't on the menu. The fish wasn't even offered as a daily special! My date got the scallops which were very large and good.
(5)
Lizzie P.

Recently went with a party of six and we all got something different. Every item was spectacular and the spicy Bloody Mary was perfect. The chef stopped by and asked if we needed anything and ever-fantastic Craig took great care of us again. I seriously love this place. See y'all there Sunday!
(5)
Chris S.

I went to Goin' Coastal for my birthday dinner and thought the meal was excellent! Everything from the relaxed atmosphere to the good service to the phenomenal seafood made for a great occasion. My party of four ordered the squid ink pasta (a special), fried seafood platter, Mahi Mahi prepared with coastal seasoning, and crab cakes. We also had the delicious crab dip appetizer. We all enjoyed our meals thoroughly and will be back again soon. Although the restaurant was busy it never got too loud. Great casual but sophisticated atmosphere. This is the kind of seafood restaurant Atlanta has needed for some time. Give it a try, I promise you will not be disappointed!!
(5)
Jonathan L.

Great service, food was decent and priced well. The only thing that geta a little annoying is the lack of street parkimg in the area. Not really their fault but still can be a nuisance.
(4)
Wayne R.

An excellent find for seafood lovers who want more upscale than Six Feet Under. Give it a try.
(4)
Jennifer N.

Seafood in Atlanta isn't good. Unless its fried, then that takes the not-so-fresh-ness out of it, and so its decent, just like the platter here. You know! Its okay for the Highlands. I am sure these college kids, who know no better, will keep it in business. Just like the tables on either side of me that night which were proclaiming, "where do they catch the swordfish around here?"...really??? not the chatta-hooch! But the service was good. And the drinks were okay.
(2)
Brandi R.

The food....the bartender...the ambience. Loved it all. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Autumn N.

Tried a special here made with alligator sausage atop a beautiful white fish. It was perfect. Cute little, sustainable seafood place in a cute residential neighborhood. We loved our meal here and the complimentary salad was delicious (the dressing is SOOO good).
(4)
Rachel W.

The food was amazing, our waitress was exceptional and the prices were great- would totally go back all the time- if I didn't live hundreds of miles away. I had the scallop risotto and they were some of the best I have ever had- and I eat a lot of scallops - they we perfectly cooked and very well seasoned- just the way scallops should be.
(5)
Dia D.

We had a very nice dinner here. The place is casual but nice. Our server was friendly and the food arrived quickly. They serve warm jalapeÃ±o corn bread with dinner. I had the shrimp and grits which included lots of shrimp. The lobster roll and fries were good also.
(4)
Jerry L.

Date night in Atlanta, the waitress is extremely friendly and helpful. Good was awesome. The place was little small but it was really charming. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Alex M.

This is a good place for a nice dinner with the family. The evening got off to a bit of a rocky start because there was some difficulty finding a parking spot, but everything was well once we snagged a spot on the street and sat down for dinner. The space itself is very small but cozy; there were at least a few young children there, so it's pretty family friendly. Our waitress, Paige, was very sweet and friendly. She kept everyone's glasses full and was attentive but not overbearing, and she was helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. She also told us the story behind the restaurant - all of their fish is fresh caught (as in within 36 hours) through sustainable fishing methods. Harpoons and lines only, no nets. They had a wide selection of fresh fish available and four preparation options: coastal, miso, parmesan, and blackened. Additionally, they have other menu dishes available, both surf and turf. We started with the tuna poke, which was Hawaiian tuna marinated in a sweet chili sauce and served on crispy wontons with seaweed salad - it was tasty and a good portion size for the three of us. For the main courses, I got the monk fish (ugly but really delicious) which had thicker, buttery flesh, almost like a lobster. I got it coastal, so it was served with savory garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. My dad got the yellowfin tuna coastal as well, and my mom got crab legs. These were thick and juicy; as for my dad's dinner I can't weigh in on the taste because he cleaned his plate, but he definitely seemed to enjoy it. Of the three, mine was probably the best dish if the number of forks poking at it was any indication. All in all, the meal was delicious but rather pricey. The menu items are reasonable, but the fresh fish is expensive. We ended up skipping dessert, but our waitress said most people pop next door for gelato. I'll have to keep that in mind for when I stop in next time.
(4)
guido s.

We were really annoyed that our reservation was not honored at the time slot we made, using the excuse "we're a small restaurant, etc etc.." Almost 30 minutes after waiting (there's nowhere to wait, which added to our frustration), we finally got a table after raising a stink to the manager. I hate to feel like the bad guy, but we almost left to never come back after such a terrible introduction. The manager came over and bent over backwards to make us feel appreciated to be there after their error. Our original dismay was gracefully corrected, thanks to the awesome management, and dinner was now on! All the dishes were perfect! So good! Albeit a little pricey, it's well worth its value, service, presentation, and everything else. A cute place with great food! The oysters were awesome too. Go here and enjoy some unique dishes that make independent restaurants such a fine treat to enjoy.
(5)
Tracie J.

I enjoyed a wonderful birthday meal at Goin' Coastal though I didn't get what I went there for. More on that later. We didn't have reservations, but we were seated right away. The only problem was we were seated near the windows and a door and it was freezing. Our server greeted us promptly and was very friendly. I almost took off a star just because of that, but the food more than made up for it. For dinner, it was my intention to get the $15 lobster dinner, but they were sold out of it already. Guess you have to get there before 7:30. So I settled on lobster tacos with mashed potatoes and the hub ordered fried shrimp with 2 sides. All I can say is those were the best shrimp I've had since I've been in Atlanta. Yum!! The lobster tacos were also very delicious, and the corn salsa on top was great. Can't wait to go back and try some other menu items.
(4)
Kim W.

Had heard about this place for a while and finally got a chance to check it out for a friend's birthday dinner the other night. Surprisingly busy for a Monday, but they feature $20 Maine lobsters on Mondays. I tried to order one, but was told they ran out. Wasn't a big deal although I did see quite a few come out of the kitchen after that. Oh well. Everything we had was delicious. Our table had the crab dip as an app, highly recommend. Entrees included the lobster mac, shrimp & grits and low country boil. All good, all I would gladly order again. Our server was great, and I really like the casual, beachy atmosphere of this place. All the seafood seems really fresh, and they have a nice and approachable wine list to boot. We had a pinot noir that we loved and also try the basil limeade cocktail. All in all a great place that I'm eager to go back to.
(4)
Kate N.

My husband and I came for $5/dozen raw oyster Wednesday night! We fell in love! The oysters were good (but of course can't compare to our usual raw oysters at John Besh's restaurant Happy Hour in New Orleans) But it was good enough to satisfy our cravings. We also ordered the Pan Seared Sea Bass and the Lobster Roll. My husband LOVED his Sea Bass. Done perfectly. We're always hesitant to order fish because most of the time it's overdone! But Goin' Coastal did it JUST RIGHT! I LOVEDDDD my Lobster Roll!!! Took me back to Luke's Lobster in NYC!!! Also LOVED the Corn Bread Pudding with Jalapeno. The Jalapeno gave it a nice kick of spice!! We'll definitely be back!
(4)
Hui-Kuo S.

Took the family to celebrate my wife's birthday last Thursday. Had a late reservation at 8:20p. The restaurant still had quite a few people there which is always a good sign. Server got our drink order pretty quickly but then seem to forget about us for a while. If it wasn't for this, I would be giving a 5 star rating. We shared mussels and baked clam with stuffed crab as our appetizers and both were really good. Entrees were also excellent. I had the Lobster Mac which many have said that they liked. It was really good as advertised. It was really rich (almost too much) and the portion was almost too large for me to finish. My wife got the fresh catch Sailfish. She wanted the Grouper but they had run out. I did try some of her dish and thought that it was really good as well. Daughter got the Scallop Risotto. Again, everything was really fresh and delicious with a very good portion size as well. Would definitely return.
(4)
Mark C.

Great rainbow and speckled trout baked and blackened respectively! Nice waitress, all around great experience....everytime!
(5)
Rachael W.

We had a reservation here for 7:30pm on a Saturday night. Upon checking in, we were told it would be about a 15-20 minute wait because "people are hanging out too long after finishing their meal." There were about 25 people waiting for a table. Unfortunately, they only have enough space for about 10 people to wait comfortably. We elbowed our way to the bar and luckily someone was getting up at that exact moment so we scored a chair. The bartender was phenomenal - even though he was absolutely slammed, he took the time to make a wine recommendation and even let me sample it before choosing. We were seated after about 35 minutes (not 15-20) at a table overlooking the street, which was great, since the VaHi streets are always interesting. Our waittress was also amazing. She comped us our drinks from the bar due to our wait and was very helpful in making food selections. We had the crab and shrimp dip to start. It had an amazing flavor, there were a couple of chunks of cream cheese in there, but who doesn't love cheese? My bf had the steak (I know, at a seafood restaurant, smh!) but it was AMAZING. One of the best steaks we've had in Atlanta and comparable to Bones or another ritzy steakhouse, but much cheaper. I had the lobster mac and cheese. Absolutely no skimping on the lobster, there were HUGE chunks of meat and the flavor was out of this world. Pros: Food is amazing, happening neighborhood hotspot, wonderful customer service from bar and waitstaff Cons: Need to figure out a better solution for people waiting, and they're definitely overscheduled. We saw a couple that had been waiting for their reservation for almost an hour and he was cursing the hostess. Not cool, bro, but the situation could have been avoided with better planning by the restaurant. Hostess seemed pretty frazzled (who can blame her?) and that is a position that needs to be filled by someone who can handle the pressure. Still, a wonderful experience and probably my new favorite spot.
(5)
Karr W.

I went here a couple of days before thanksgiving. This cozy little spot is cozy and perfect for date night. Everyone was friendly and smiled, all the staff I mean. My friend and I had the spicy peel and eat shrimp, delicious. I had the salmon, Parmesan style and it was scrumptious. I has potatoes and spinach for my sides both awesome and seasoned to perfection. One of the best salmons I have ever had. I will be back
(5)
Laura H.

My husband treated me to dinner for my birthday last night, and we are still talking about what a wonderful experience it was! We used a Loaf Deal, but even without it the prices are very reasonable for the quality and quantity of the food! The restaurant is attractive, comfortable, and clean. The staff were all very friendly and knowledgeable. I had questions about two of the week's offerings (tile fish and wolf fish), and our server described them both expertly. There are weekly specials in keeping with the freshest available seafood, but enough regular menu items to keep less-adventurous folks happy as well. We ordered the crab dip appetizer, which would have easily satisfied the appetites of four people! It was hands down the best crab dip I've ever had. I ordered the blackened Icelandic wolf fish; it was cooked to absolute perfection! My husband went the traditional route with the fried catfish. The portion size was enormous, and the fish was delicious! Complementary corn bread was a welcome surprise (though we wished we hadn't filled up on so much bread with our appetizer!). Sadly, we left no room for dessert, but there's always next time. And there will definitely be a next time! One note, the place is fairly small, so reservations are a good idea, especially on the weekends.
(5)
Suzanne M.

We called at 3pm for a Saturday night reservation and the restaurant was very accommodating. The food was delicious and waitress and staff very friendly and warm. I ordered seafood risotto, baked tile fish, and cod- all amazing. We especially enjoyed mussels as appetizer. Would recommend to anyone! A little noisy.
(5)
Nancy R.

I've been wanting to come here since it first opened, but never had the chance. The only problem is parking which is always the case down in VA-Hi. It's a small restaurant so be sure to make reservations. FOOD: The salad of mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette is delicious! For dinner I had the Coastal Bowl which is Wild American shrimp, PEI mussels, scallops, oysters, and seasonal fish simmered in fish tomato stock with andouille sausage, potatoes and corn. Yummy! It may be a little pricey($26), but with a piece of crusty bread for dipping it's a big dish enough to share for two. It's such a nice dish for a chilly night.
(4)
Cole O.

We were sitting at the bar last night having dinner when the head chef came over to us and said "Stop being so loud or I'll snap your neck" Really? Saying that to a patron? This place is at the top of my street, and I've been many times - they just lost a customer.
(1)
Liane H.

Even though we live within walking distance, my boyfriend and I have somehow never been to Goin' Coastal's Virginia Highland location. After trying the amazing tuna poke at the Taste of the Highlands a few months ago, we knew we had to go and we finally did last night. We sat at the bar, intending to get a cocktail (the signature martini, which was delicious with lavender and toasted lemon) and ended up staying all night due to Bash and Chase's terrific service and the wonderful atmosphere. The customers who were at the bar were all regulars, and everyone (staff and customers) was so nice. The kitchen is open, so we were able to watch the chef shuck our scallops (an appetizer special, and possibly the best scallops I have ever had) right in front of us. They had my favorite Sauvignon Blanc by the glass, which is always nice. For our other appetizers, we had the shrimp bisque, which was perfect and had a great cinnamon-y crouton, followed by mussels in a surprisingly light and delicious sauce, and the tuna poke (again, amazing). Although we completely overdid it on the appetizers, we ordered entrees as well - and on Bash's recommendation my fiance had the Best. Flounder. Ever. It was blackened and served with a red pepper beurre blanc over mashed potatoes with collard greens and every bite was delicious (I know, because I took most of them). I ordered the lobster mac and cheese, and it was perfectly crispy on top with tons of lobster meat inside - also amazing. We ended up taking it to go and it held up really well, too. (Yes, it's already gone.) When we were about to leave, the bartender gave us his card (genius) and told us to text him when we were coming in next time and he would reserve seats for us. He also said that he would pick up bleu cheese on his way to work to make bacon and bleu cheese stuffed olives for our martinis since I'm not a big fan of pimento. I can honestly say that I have never had such great service before, and we are definitely planning on becoming regulars ourselves. A few tips - Get there early for a seat, the restaurant is small and fills up quickly. Ask questions (if we hadn't, we wouldn't have gotten to taste the awesome flounder). And sit at the bar!
(5)
Ramon D.

I was first introduced to Goin' Coastal during a business stay in Canton, GA. That location is great and I had some excellent food while there. Fast forward two years and I finally got a chance to visit the Atlanta location and they've somehow managed to capture the same feel and taste of the Canton location which is perfect! I decided to host my birthday party and the staff of Goin' Coastal was amazing for my part of 20. Not once did they complain that only 8 of us actually showed up on time and that we locked down the restaurant for over 3 hours - nope they actually gave us A+ service the entire time and all 20 of us enjoyed our time there. I'll definitely recommend Goin' Coastal to anyone!
(5)
Nico L.

Best restaurant I've ever visited. Pauline, my server was spectacular as was the owner. Paulina was very knowledgeable and patient as I asked about ingredients. Great gluten free options and the concept from sustainable seafood to family style salads was a unique experience. As a foodie I would say this exceeds my bar and now other restaurants have to live up to this experience. Have not possible! MUST VISIT ATL RESTAURANT
(5)
Carol B.

I'm a huge seafood lover and wanted to try a new restaurant. I came across Goin' Coastal and decided to give it a try. So myself, my husband and my daughter went to the restaurant. Before going I read a lot of good reviews so I had high expectations, but I was very disappointed. To begin with the street parking is virtually impossible, I had to drive around 3 or 4 times waiting for someone to leave a parking space on the street so that I could park. Without having a reservation I chose to sit at the bar which actually worked out very well because the table seating was so close together it looked very crowded and uncomfortable. It's a very small restaurant, but most importantly it's the quality of the food that really matters. I ordered the seafood combo which consisted of fried shrimp, oysters and catfish. When the food was delivered it looked like a big plate of over cooked fried stuff stacked on top of each other, the execution & plating of the food was just terrible. I think they just threw all the food in the same deep fry basket and then dumped it on the plate. The food was totally tasteless, there was no seasoning whatsoever, it was the blandest food I had ever tasted! And it was not fresh! This is the 1st time I wish I could get my money back!
(1)
Kristen M.

Delicious!!! Have been craving the San Marzano baked Swordfish since I've been. Sat at the bar and Joe was awesome. Was also really cool to watch the chef crank out all those meals in one little station. No doubt I'll be back!
(5)
Mell M.

A friend and I were in for the first time 3 weeks ago. We loved everything about it. So, we came back the following week. Not only was the food still as awesome, our server Cat, recommended perfect beverages, appetizers and entrees when asked. She was even better than our first server, who was not bad by any means. So, I'm taking my cousin tonight to celebrate her new job. If you all are looking for great food, drinks from a spot that cares about our oceans this is the spot. And ask forCat, she was totally awesome.
(5)
Beth A.

I'm in love with this place! The food is absolutely amazing and the people are wonderful! The shrimp and crab dip is a MUST! The corn bread melts in your mouth...it's the best! The scallops are insanely delicious too. They have some great mixed drinks...I'm sure their desserts are excellent but I am always so stuffed when I leave that I don't get a chance to try them! I can't wait for my next visit, nice job Goin' Coastal!
(5)
Melanie S.

Small and inadequate...I left feeling empty and hungry. It feels like a discount restaurant until you get the bill which sets you back to reality. There is nothing special about this place. Liked it better when it was Figo pasta.
(3)
Lee B.

Made a reservation for Goin' Coastal on a Saturday night. Though it was very crowded in the front, we were seated right away. The restaurant is pretty small, so that was definitely a good thing. We were given some complimentary jalapeno cornbread to start off with, which was delicious. It was sweet (which I like in a cornbread) and the jalapenos gave it a kick, but they weren't overpowering at all. We started out with an order of mussels. They were $10 and in a huge bowl with two huge, huge chunks of bread for sopping up the broth. These were some of the biggest mussels I'd ever seen and the broth was delicious too, though very buttery (which is probably what made it so good.) Our waiter kinda-sorta forgot to take our order until after we finished our appetizer (we think) but it was okay, he was kind of frazzled. The way this place works is that they have a chalkboard of the daily fish and if you order one of those, you can choose from four preparation styles. They had about 8 different types of fish on the chalkboard including mahi-mahi, salmon, cod, lobster and tile fish. They also have another big section of the menu for other seafood type dishes that aren't fish and then also a smaller section that has a few meat/chicken dishes. I was there with my mother and husband. My mother and I both ordered the mahi-mahi, but I had mine prepared miso and she had hers prepared baked. My husband ordered the low country shrimp boil. Mine came out in a big bowl, with lots of bok choy and broth. I really liked it. My mothers, however, was sort of in a casserole dish with lots of stewed tomatoes and lots of oil. It was not that great. While I was happy with what I ordered, I would not have been happy with the baked style. It was just very greasy. My husband's low country boil was good and a ton of food. He's normally a clear his plate type of guy and he had 4 shrimp to take home, after giving one to me and my mom. The restaurant was a little claustrophobic and a little loud for my tastes but all in all pretty good. Though if I'd ordered the oily baked style of fish , I might have had a totally different review.
(4)
Braden T.

Pretty good, but extremely busy. We went there around 815 on a Friday night, when every other restaurant was quoting wait times over 45 minutes. We walked in and they told it would be less than 10 minutes. Odd. We grabbed a couple of cocktails (basil limeaid - light on the syrup, which I enjoyed), and before long, we were sitting at one of those two-tops which are crammed in a line so that everyone can hear each others conversation. The waiter was a really nice guy, but literally covered in sweat from how hard he was working. The restaurant had too many tables and too little work staff. The hostess was sitting tables one after the other and they were pumping people through, with dishes arriving only a few minutes after ordering. So we self-paced the meal, waiting for a while after receiving our appetizers to order entrees, which I highly recommend. I got the Maine lobster (cooked well, very tasty) with a side of sautÃ©ed spinach (way too salty). My wife ordered the Mahi Coastal, which she enjoyed. Overall, it was a pretty good experience in terms of food, but how rushed it was made me feel like we were in a far less expensive restaurant. The food was pretty good, but not amazing. And the cramped seating made me a bit uncomfortable the whole time, since the people sitting beside us had nothing to say to each other.
(3)
Meg C.

I stand by my good as it gets-- I've been back almost every Wednesday since my initial review and I just can't get enough of this place! I got to meet Seth in person, and he reminds me a lot of a chef I used to work with, and depending on the night I can grab a table or go up and sit at the bar and chat it up with Joey, the best bartender in Atlanta! Since you last heard from me, I have tried... Mussels-- yum. I love me a bowl of mussels and these do not disappoint! No grit or rubber in these bad boys! Scallop Appetizer-- I wanted to eat these for the rest of my life, the only place I've had scallops that were the same or better is fresh off the boat on the North Carolina coast! They melted in my mouth like butter.. I'm hungry just thinking about them! Lobster Mac-- this isn't your usual mac'n'cheese with some lobster sprinkled, this bad boy boasts CHUNKS of lobster! When the boat came out, I was a little skeptical about the size of the portion, but it was deceiving... not nearly as small as it looked! I managed to get through most of it when my server told me he's never seen anyone finish off a lobster mac! Shrimp and Grits-- Best shrimp and grits I've ever had, hands down, here or Savannah! So creamy, so delicious, I'm getting even hungrier now! Risotto-- This is seriously the creamiest meal I've ever tried; if you're looking for rich and luxurious, the buck stops with the risotto! Bowl-- The Bowl is the best thing ever, it's like some genius mix of frutti de mare and jambalaya. Loaded with seafood, veggies, and served with a big hunk of crusty-yet-soft bread it's going to be hard not to pick this one up again before I try something else on the menu! I can't wait to keep going back and trying more stuff. Now I just have to decide between the Tasso Scallops and the filet... (yes, I love the red meat as much as I love the sea!)
(5)
Mark J.

We started with 12 raw oysters on the half-shell, glass of wine and a Maker's/soda. Our meals were the steamed crab legs (a large amount not stingy at all) and the Lobster Mac & Cheese. All was fantastic. I'm glad I tried the lobster mac and cheese - it's extremely hearty and rich with the baked fontina, parmesan and cheddar cheeses. I'll definitely head back to this restaurant -- lots of fresh fish on the menu and on special. Can't forget the outstanding service!
(3)
Jennifer N.

The Dining Divas Dinner Club gives this place two thumbs up! We loved the variety, fresh seafood, and the overall look and feel of the place. Each of us enjoyed what we ordered are sampled each others meals as well. Not a big place and it gets pretty loud but that's what makes it casual and fun. Valet parking is an option if you can't find parking on the street. Our server was helpful and really sweet. She went above and beyond to ensure that we got the best group photo. No real food recommendations since the menu changes frequently.
(4)
Laura W.

I absolutely love Goin' Coastal, VA Highlands. This past weekend was my second trip but the first for my husband and some friends visiting from Indy. We had reservations and were seated immediately. Our server was personable and helpful. Two of the four of us had the Oysters Rockefeller and we ended up ordering a second round, they were so good. The entrees were excellent. They were out of the wine we ordered so they brought us a more expensive bottle and comped the difference. We talked about the meal all weekend and will definitely be going back!
(5)
Anastasia T.

Went there on Sunday during restaurant week and they (staff and kitchen) obviously overwhelmed. I applaud their commitment to sustainability and I think it is worthy of the extra $...But I wish their food was as good as the menu was promising. The chowder was excellent. The corn-bread was fluffy and moist, definitely not spicy though (I did not mind that). The wine list was good as well. Now, for appetizers we had the shrimp and (not sure what else) dip cause they were out of crabcakes. It was average, and nothing you cannot find in a chain restaurant. The flash-fried avocado appetizer was very interesting (in a good way) but, boy, did that dish need something crunchy to go with it. Two of us could not finish it and not because it was a huge portion...it was because after the first couple of bites, the taste got old. My date ordered to swordfish with hush puppies but they also ran out of hush puppies (!) so he went with the grits. No me, a non Southerner, me is not a grits fan in general. Those were OK to good, but still did not beat the best grits I had (which was at Empire State South). The fish was excellent (if you like swordfish). I ordered the shrimp risotto and it was fine, but forgettable (the shrimp was very well cooked, though, which is not very common in restaurants). But if you ever had the risotto at Sotto Sotto you would agree, I believe, that it was much better. Last, our server was a little over-bearing. I mean I'd like to put my fork down before I am asked whether I am done with my plate. Will we go again? Yes. I'd love to see (taste) what they can do with other fish (especially ahi tuna and salmon). But I was overall a little disappointed. PS. They have several weekly specials, like $20 lobster Sundays etc., which sound like good ideas
(3)
Nicole S.

Not only was the food amazing but so was the service! Paige took great care of us. When I inquired about the recipe for the soup she actually asked the chef and he was kind enough to give it to us. Great food! Great service! Great atmosphere! I had a great birthday dinner. Thank you Goin Coastal!
(5)
Paula S.

Full disclosure, I'm a native New Englander. I grew up on the coast and before moving to Atlanta I lived less than 1 mile from the ocean, so seafood is definitely something I'm pretty picky about. When my husbands parents (also from NE) came to visit we were stumped on where to bring them. They only eat seafood, no meat, and are super healthy, so typical southern fare was out. We decided to try Goin Coastal because 1. it was all seafood and 2. they had great preparation options from decadent to fairly clean. The restaurant itself was cute and in the awesome Vi-Hi neighborhood. The food was fantastic and pretty fresh! So far this is the only place I'd recommend for fish in ATL!
(4)
Tawni F.

What a hidden gem! I went two weeks ago as a birthday treat for a special friend and we loved it! The food, the drinks, and the service were A +! You must, and I mean must try the shrimp and blue crab cheese dip.
(5)
Heather N.

Went for Sunday Supper, because who doesn't love a great special, plus other restaurant options are fairly limited for Sundays. And it might have been a great deal if we didn't end up paying $16 for two draft beers. The prices for draft aren't listed on the menu, but the other beer options were all about $4. Somehow we got a special one that was eight ducats. It was damn good, but I would have appreciated a heads up on that one. The greeting and service seemed sincere and comforting. I would probably return for the food but not the set supper, because I didn't like the dessert, and would have chosen different sides. CORN & SHRIMP SOUP: was very tasty-a strange blend of a tomato base with julienned carrots & corn and not a shrimp to be found. The base was very seafoody, so I guess that is where the shrimp came in. FRIED SHRIMP: Deliciously crispy, not greasy, batter tasted a bit of curry. Nice. SIDES: Jalapeno cornbread pudding was dense and overly cheesy, but Mr. A liked it. Greens were standard. Cold green bean salad was fine. Cornbread was light and fluffy, more like cake than bread. DESSERT: Dense brownie with chocolate chips and Hershey's syrup. It was yucky, and was homemade but reminded me of costco. I am keen on the sustainable aspect, but something felt chain-like about this place. Want to try that $15 lobster, tho, so will be back. Cheers~
(3)
Laura H.

Located in the heart of the Highlands, you would never guess that this sustainable seafood restaurant has been open for less than a year. It has a warm neighborhood feel to it already and is brimming with friendly people. It's safe to say that we were the only group of girls there, as most of the diners were couples or groups of couples. Our server, Mikey, was friendly and informative, and it wasn't long before my friend disclosed that he looked really familiar and oh, they grew up together. The cocktail menu caught my eye right away and I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. I started with the honeydew and mint cooler (vodka, honeydew, mint) and it was delicious. Over the course of the night, I tried my friend's jalapeno margarita, the basil limeade, and the apricot & ginger martini. Yes, there was a lot of drinking going on. We made friends with several couples at the table across from us, and they gave us copious amounts of wine before they left, so that's where my "beware of strangers & free wine" headline came from. For dinner, I had the lobster club sandwich, which came with a side of fries. I would definitely order it again. The fries were perfectly seasoned, and oh, the cornbread that they brought out to start was de-licious. Don't miss that. They have a regular menu and a plethora of daily specials on the chalkboard, so if you're with a group that likes seafood, then there's something for everyone. I will be back for their $15 lobster dinner (served M-W)... sooner rather than later!
(4)
Lori F.

Had an overall great meal here this past weekend. We arrived on time for our reservation, but were strangely seated at a 6 top (for 2 of us). Slightly awkward as the hostess kept borrowing chairs from our table to move to others, when we could have just waited a short amount of time for a smaller table. Next, our server took a while to come to the table, then abruptly left before we could get a drink order in - this continued to be a trend throughout the night. However, the other servers and chef more than made up for the lack of service he provided. Started off with some cocktails: my husband ordered a delicious basil limeade (vodka, basil simple syrup, basil) and my champagne cocktail was spot on with just the right amount of bitters. We ordered the special appetizer of Ameripure oysters on the half shelf - nice and briny and shucked well. For dinner my husband had the mahi mahi with a sort of jalapeno corn pudding (yum!) and broccoli. Unfortunately, the mahi came out pretty raw on the inside. Since we couldn't find our server, another young woman came to our rescue, the chef apologized profusely, and he bought us another round of drinks for our trouble (unbeknownst to our missing server). Once that was straightened out, the mahi was delish and I wholeheartedly enjoyed my low country platter - a heaping pile of crab legs, shrimp, andouille links, corn, and new potatoes. Finally we finished off with a desert of krispy kreme bread pudding. Yes, you must get it. I don't even like bread pudding, but this was so good. Overall I had a great meal despite our server's flakiness - the food was excellent and it's a great option for seafood intown.
(4)
Ray L.

This place is SO good. And the fact that it's eco-friendly? Have to give it five stars. First thing out was the cornbread, which isn't your traditional cornbread, but so much better. It's not hearty or coarse as you might expect, but light, fluffly and cake-like. It had just the right amount of sweetness and melted in your mouth. To start, we ordered the oyster combo. I'm not even big on oysters, but oh my god these were amazing. The oyster itself was melt-in-your-mouth amazing, but each of the three variations of flavors was just superb. To be honest, I didn't read the menu description, so I can't tell you exactly what was on each one. But there was one topped with lobster and some type of curry butter (my favorite). Another withs spinach and bacon. And another with mushrooms and caramelized onions. Absolutely amazing and perfect for sharing between two people. I ordered one of the specials for my entree: the red grouper cooked in parchment paper with caramelized shallots and some kind of amazingly seasoned butter. So much flavor and yet not too rich - you could still taste the pureness and freshness of the fish. On the side I had the daily vegetable (which was zucchini) and the roasted potatoes (really good). There was also some kind of "tartar" sauce - I hate to call it that, because it was worlds better than tartar. I didn't think my fish needed it, but I ended up dipping some potatoes in it, and it was really good. I really recommend this place. I had a great time and thought everything was beyond solid.
(5)
Vivian W.

I braved the rain and Atlanta traffic the other day for an awesome dinner at Goin Coastal and I have to say it was totally worth it! $15 for a lobster with two sides, plenty of appetizer options and a super-friendly waitstaff....WIN! The restaurant itself was brightly lit, thankfully dry, with a partially open kitchen and plenty of tables and seats at the bar too. We were seated promptly and introduced to the drink and food specials of the day. I ordered the lobster of course, and also got the she-crab soup, alligator nuggets and some oysters as starters. The seafood was super fresh, with good size portions. Bonus for the sustainable seafood movement, as outlined on the walls. All in all I was impressed, and I'll def be back for more!
(5)
Kimberly W.

Awesome. Went with my family of 4 last Friday night. All dishes were fresh, perfectly seasoned and plentiful. Just perfect. The service was prompt, friendly and attentive. My children are 6 and 7 and they were kind enough to make them kid-sized portion of adult entree so they didn't have to split one entree which was really a nice treat! This will become a standard spot for us!
(5)
Tricia F.

This place is fabulous! Out waiter Kat had great food advice, Crystal was our chef that made the best lobster Mac I have ever had. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Gwenn A.

One of the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta . From the moment we sat down the service was impeccable. Our glasses were always full , the food was always hot and the attention to every detail was outstanding. The food was devine, very fresh and on the mark with the fish and sauce pairings. We will defineatly be back again next month and the month after that and that....be sure to make reservations, this place fills up quickly!
(4)
LeRue C.

First off, I'm from Virginia and have lived on the East and West Coast. I have lived on the water most of my life and am a self proclaimed seafood connoisseur. When I saw the menu at Goin Coastal it looked really appealing so me and my food crawl buddy decided to head right on down. I started with a specialty cocktail. I cant remember the name but it had Russian Vodka, lime juice, and basil. Sounds great right. It came out and I politely asked the waiter if they forgot to add the Vodka. :) He was said that he was sure that they did but proceeded to take my drink and the bartender fixed it up for me. It came back more than perfect! I ordered the lobster tacos. (18.00) They came with fresh corn salsa and cilantro. I love cilantro laden foods and I love lobster so I figured how could I go wrong. It was pretty good. While lobster is expensive, I just dont think that a tablespoon worth of lobster was the appropriate portion. My friend ordered the crabcakes and was slightly disappointed. They were quite bready. The service was good (although the server tried to explain what Gazpacho was) which is quite annoying when all I asked him if it had a kick. The seafood was a little better than average. If I go back I would have to try one of the several fresh fish of the day.
(3)
Pamela M.

Well I finally got here as a last ditch effort. I had chosen JCT Kitchen over this spot, but the recommendations were higher (and I still plan to visit JCT on my bookmarks) It was Fri Aug 17th, my Dads bday, we had a reservation at 6:30, arrived promptly but as expected, parking was very challenging on a cool evening and everyone on the planet was out there! Lucky for me I know that area pretty well and even though it took me 15 mins to find a place, I did within the neighborhood....let me tell you, its not easy! I'd sent my Dad in to hold our reservation and then my cousin and godsister joined us for the celebration. My first disappointment after reviewing the menu online was,....the menu had changed months ago but Goin Coastal did not update for online, made me quite sad. No lobster/crabcakes, now simply crabcakes, no heart of Romaine Ceasar salad, just the house salad :-(...BUT they at least still have the lobster mac-n-cheese and it was SCRUMPTOUS! Fully loaded oval bowl of steamy, cheesy, loaded with lobster and SUPER hot, tasty mac! This has got to be a signature dish. I did not however like the "JIffy" brand tasting cornbread (too sweet), I prefer hush puppies with seafood. I also had a cucumber, feta & tomato salad, it was ok. Both my Dad and I had Riesling, Dad ordered the fried jumbo shrimp in the famous Goin Coastal breading (light), and a side of coleslaw.... I tasted a shrimp and it was very good and tender. For Dads birthday, he recieved the key lime tart, which was just the right amount of sweet & tart. Our waitress was patient and nice, although I was haggling about the menu change. She did return to explain how the online version was old and they were updating soon.... I would return sometime, but not real soon. I think the menu change took me by surprise. Goin Coastal had a nice evening dinner crowd and one can tell they are very popular in the Virginia Highlands area, that was another reason for me choosen this location. I love Virginia Highlands
(3)
Dio S.

Pretty straight-laced seafood restaurant with a focus on high quality, sustainable ingredients. It's not upscale, but definitely not a fish shack type of place. Feels on the nice side of casual. I've eaten here twice. Food selection and taste are mostly excellent. The gravy on their shrimp and grits was some of the best yet I've tasted in Atlanta. Interesting take in which they cook the shrimps two ways for textural contrast. The massamam curry-like Sullivan Island shrimp dish was solid, though I was expecting more of a Creole flavor. I could see the fisherman's stew being amazing when done right, but the one I tasted was overly salty. Meaty crab/lobster cakes, not bad. The she crab soup was damn good, packed with that intense shellfish flavor, with a respectably substantial consistency. Had a bite of the fresh trout special--also fine. Okay, so I probably wouldn't choose most of the $20 and above entrees over a good bowl of chirashi, but the shrimp and grits I can see myself coming back for again and again. The drink selection is just about right. With a small set of interesting mixed drinks to choose from, and well priced beer and wine menus. Nothing crazy, but definitely not boring. Terrific service. I also like that they open for dinner on Saturday at 4PM, when it's still very nice out. This is just the kind of place Virginia Highland can use.
(4)
Andy H.

Lobster mac and cheese.....can't go wrong! Oysters were good, crab cakes were awesome!
(4)
Rick F.

Love the name! Love the location! Love the concept! New restaurant still working out some of the kinks! Way to noisy! Please add some sound damping material on the ceiling! I'm very happy to have a True Seafood Restaurant in the area! The place was busy on a Friday night! Server was great! The people delivering the food need some training, he didn't know what he was doing and almost knocked everything over on the table. The person making drinks needs to be properly trained to design and build a drink to taste correct in the appropriate sized glass.(not enough vodka LOL!) 1 dozen oysters $12 was a great deal, overall the prices were great! Cornbread excellent, Watermelon soup needs a lot of work! Halibut, Ivory Salmon, Shrimp & Grits were excellent! Sides Jalapeno Cornbread Pudding was good, a little to hot for my taste buds. Corn on the Cobb was just OK! The potatoes were some of the best cooked I've ever had! Owner/Chef came over to the table was genuinely interested in our opinion, told him about the drink issue and he fixed it immediately! We will definitely be back!
(4)
Lenita S.

This was my first visit here, and I have to say it was incredible !!!! We came here with a group of about 15 people for brunch yet still experienced the best time !!!! I don't write reviews as much as I should, so unfortunately I forgot one of the Chef's name. BUT, Chef Jeff and our server Erin were AWESOME !! No matter what crazy concoction we asked for, they gave us a "no problem at all" response. I was particularly having a craving for both Scallops and the Lobster Mac n' cheese, so guess what ? They made me Lobster, Scallop, mac n' cheese !!! I think I invented a new dish !! LOL Nevertheless, I will definitey be back again, and again, and will TELL A FRIEND !!!
(4)
Jennifer K.

My husband and I are pretty new to the neighborhood and while we were exploring the area we ran into this little cute place! We walked in and we were greeted and seated immediately. For the appetizer we shared the (crab) dip, it was cheesy and creamy and delicious! It also came with four large slices of toasted sourdough bread. For entrees, I had the bowl and my husband had the lobster roll. The lobster roll was a lot smaller than we had expected (esp. for $20) but it was good nonetheless especially with the side dish of fries. The bowl, as a seafood lover I loved this dish! The dish was filled with scallops, mussels, shrimp and white chunky fish fillets marinated in thick tomato soup. Overall, it was a great experience. The service was awesome too!
(4)
Jennifer B.

STILL GOING STRONG!! This Place Never disappoints!!! the Scallops are probably the best scallops I've ever eatin, its like Butta!!! I mean it really does make me feel like im near the beach...the seafood is fresh, the atmosphere is laid back, just all around a great place to dine! The Lobster Bisque is dreamy, the Lobster Tail is Rockin, and the Shrimp & Grits are so good, make you want to slap your mama, lol. Also, if you AREN'T a seafood eater, PLEASE try the Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken, what better way to stuff a chicken then with goat cheese!! PERFECTION!!!
(5)
Alex S.

Great, fresh seafood. friendly staff. Interesting Menu. The Lobster Mac-n-Cheese was one of the best my wife ever had! Definitely worth a stop if you are into excellent seafood!
(5)
G B.

I love Goin' Coastal! Last night I had the Low Country Boil for the first time and it was perfect. And as always, the oysters are the best in town hands down. Besides the best seafood in Atlanta, the staff are fantastic! Bash, Joey, Kate, Eric and Chef - thank you for another memorable dinner. Things to know if going for the first time - make a reservation, if you know there's a special that night call ahead and ask to reserve if possible (lobster, oysters, etc - they do run out - because it's that good and they get that busy) street parking is limited - may need to park in nearby neighborhood but it is a very pleasant area, and relax and enjoy a great meal.
(5)
Tramaine W.

Oooh Goin Costal how I wish your food was better. The corn bread was the worst and so was the low country boil platter. The seasoning overpowered the seafood, the butter sucked (tastes a bit sweet) and the crab was not high quality or fresh. It was definitely the worst low country boil I have had and that's including the ones I have had at people's houses. The she crab soup was good, It was very rich but didn't really have identifiable crab pieces. The sangria was also good. The best thing about this place was the staff. The bartender Bob was the most personable bartender I have ever met and he made me feel very comfortable. He could definitely be the bartender at a place you regular who you tell all your business too.
(2)
Brian K.

I'm going to preface this review by stating that I am deathly allergic to seafood - to the point where I can inoculate myself with an EpiPen more proficiently than most people can operate a mechanical pencil. Nonetheless, much like fashionistas will bleed for the opportunity to don the season's chicest handbag, I'll traverse over the threshold of a seafood joint for the sake of culinary pleasure. Food: As can easily be inferred from its namesake, Goin' Coastal specializes in seafood; their primary schtick is that they are a sustainable food joint. In theory, this seems admirable; however, overfishing of some marine species is but a granule of sand in a ocean of more imminent issues threatening the marine ecosystem (pun intended), the most notable of which is green house gas emissions. But I digress; back to the food! Fortunately, for the immunologically weak, Goin' Coastal also offers some turf in additional to an ample supply of surf. During my first visit, I opted for the fried pickle chips as an appetizer and the goat cheese stuffed chicken for an entree. The fried pickle chips were perfectly fried in a light batter and accompanied with a mild, yet flavorful, chipotle cream sauce. The entree was equally as enjoyable; the chicken was perfectly cooked and stuffed with goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, and herbs. The entree was preceded by corn bread and salad, both of which were fairly run-of-the-mill; however, I wasn't expecting much considering that they were both complimentary. Service: Our party of two dined early on a Tuesday evening (6PM) and were one of only three occupied tables in the entire house. When we left around 7:30 PM, the bar area was mostly occupied, but the dining room remained vacant. That being said, the service was not up to par; although friendly, the waitress's presence was sporadic and her knowledge of the menu was limited. Atmosphere: Mildly reminiscent of a New England bistro. The dining area is intimate and artfully decorated; however, seating is limited, so there isn't much space in between the tables. The restaurant also has a sizable bar area, which was mostly being used for dining rather than drinking. Cost: Moderately priced, but worth the cost. Appetizers cost between $6 and $15, while entrees cost between $16 and $25. Sides are all a la carte at $3 each. Other: Due to the size and popularity of the venue, reservations are a must on the weekends. Also, similar to most establishments in Virginia Highland, parking is not an easy feat at Goin' Coastal. They do have valet parking available during the weekends and the lot next to Yeah Burger is also a viable options. However, for the most part, your best option is to park on Virginia St. or one of the surrounding side streets.
(4)
Juan M.

We had a splendid time. If you can get past the environmentalism (really, it is overkill), it's really cool. We were with another couple that was OTP and knew we'd get some rolled eyes, but EACH and EVERY item on the menu had some green angle to it. I like and respect it, but we had dinner companions already without Jacque Cousteau (note: he's dead) jamming his massive Gallic nose in our evening. We had a delightful bottle of AlbariÃ±o to accompany our meal - pricey, but we'll be back!
(4)
Dave D.

Clearly and easily one of the best restaurants anywhere. The food is always excellent, the service is top notch. Always fresh and they will gladly tweak anything to meet your needs. The only place that compares to Goin' Coastal in Va Hi is the sister Goin' Coastal in Canton. Love both of them and I eat there at least twice a week.
(5)
Paul S.

Nice little seafood restaurant in Virginia Highlands. I'd say a step above the norm, but still not fine dining. Comfortable atmosphere with a very nice staff. The chalkboard specials sounded nice, but we ended up sticking with a few of the apps to try more dishes in one sitting. The pickle chips, lobster crab cakes, and mussels were all good. The Crab Fritters on the hand were extremely bland and lacking cheese. The highlight of the meal was definitely the mussels. Good broth along with small bits of andouille sausage. A few of my mussels weren't open, but not enough to say anything. Overall, the restaurant seems like a neighborhood hangout. My one complaint is at the front door. the bug fan that blows you away upon entering the restaurant was a bit of a turn off. I don't know if it's health inspector regulated due the kitchen's proximity to the front door, but there's got to be another alternative. You open the door and get blasted with cold air, quite unpleasant. I'd come back. I'm interested in trying the lobster roll special they have on the weekends.
(4)
Georgia S.

Food was good, but nothing special. We go regularly when we are in the VA Highlands area. Be prepared to spend a bit of time to find a place to park. Be prepared to make reservations and wait, even with reservations. The place is tiny and with or without reservations, you'll probably have to wait. The front area, where the hostess is located, is not large enough for more than 4 or 5 people to wait. The bar is tiny, as well, and always packed and also reserved for diners. It is a full bar, but a very, very limited beer menu, and if I remember correctly, the beer cost $8 a bottle. And NO, it wasn't anything imported that would cost anywhere near that at any other restaurant. We'd never purchase another beer from them since the selection is so limited and the price is so ridiculous. Again, I'd recommend the place but don't expect anything great. The food is a bit over-priced for what you get. In other words: you get very, very, very meager portions. Their specials are normally good, so listen to your server's recommendations.
(3)
Ziggy S.

My favorite restaurant in Atlanta. Perfect service, perfect meals, and perfect quality. I usually go for the seafood bowl, but I will often try their other dishes. Their grilled scallops are so good they'll make you ... (insert hyperbole here). Monday night is Maine lobster night and it don't get no better than that. A 1 & 1/2 pound steamed lobster with a cold bottle of beer is heaven. Friendly, cozy and good... what more can be said?
(5)
Glenn G.

Updating my last rating with another star for the owner staying in tune to customer feedback and caring. Looking forward to our next visit.
(4)
Maggie S.

Delicious, fresh food! Busy atmosphere and a bit pricey, but the food made up for any noise and bustle. We started with creamy lobster and crab dip, which came out bubbling fresh from the oven. So amazing for a cheese lover! My main course was baked amberjack, and it was perfectly cooked. It was almost stew-like, with roasted garlic, tomatoes and carrots. Dessert was a krispy creme bread pudding. OMG. You MUST try it, it was sinful and comforting, not too sweet. Overall, a great experience!
(4)
Elyn M.

This was the 4th or 5th time we've eaten here since it opened. We came specifically for the $15 lobster special before it disappeared! We were also here for the Mardi Gras crawfish boil as well as a couple of dinners. First, a note about parking--there is a $3 valet. If you choose to use metered parking, note that the City has contracted out its parking meters and they are very aggressive about ticketing. The food has been uniformly excellent when we've been here (and if they're serving the krispy kreme bread pudding it is a must--surprisingly light tasting and not too sweet!) One of the things we have been pleased with is attitude. A few times we've come as a 2-top, ordered 2 glasses of wine and an appetizer and split both entree and dessert. We have never been rushed along or made to feel like the restaurant had a better use for the table. We're in the neighborhood so we eat here on the early side and generally on a weeknight.
(4)
Terry G.

Have dined here twice - once at the bar and once in the dining room. Great food both times and excellent, convivial service both times. The atmosphere is very casual and the space is quite small so be prepared for a little jostling around on a busy night. The bar staff is excellent at greeting folks and making them feel welcome. Joey is a delight and when sitting at the bar adds a whole new dimension to your experience. The guy I assume is the owner was expediting both night we visited and is really on top of everything that is happening...making sure waiting patrons got comp'd sangria, ensuring our entrees were slowed down as we lingered over apps/salad. I also overheard him comp the meal of the guy sitting next to me. He was a regular and hadn't raved about his last meal so the owner wanted to make it up. The vibe is fun and lively, maybe even a little raucous at times which we loved. But if you want a more subdued dining experience sit in one of the booths. Oh, and the food! Excellent both visits. My hubby is addicted to the lobster Mac and cheese. We've had the oysters Rockefeller, shrimp, scallops and lobster special all of which we enjoyed. Love the moist cornbread they serve, too. I think the wine list could be improved a bit - had trouble finding a red by the glass that I really liked. Prices are reasonable - it's seafood in VaHi so it isnt going to be cheap.
(4)
Amy E.

They were late seating us for our reservation due to a few tables hanging out for a extended period after they finished eating. The management and staff totally made up for it. The food was amazing!! We loved everything we ordered. Chris, our server, was great. This is our new favorite in the highlands!
(5)
Jessica O.

We generally enjoyed our visit to Goin' Coastal, but looking back, it was just OK. Parking is valet across the street for $3, which is good. They had our reserved table ready quickly, also good. Service was great, informative and attentive. The cornbread they give each table is pretty good and is a nice touch. However, the food and drinks were just OK, nothing fabulous, and for the prices, I expected fabulous. The prices are like an upscale joint, where this is really pretty casual/low key. At around $25 per entree, I have just had better food other places. I appreciate that this place is sustainable/local, but not enough to pay $25-40 per person to go back.
(3)
Wade B.

930 reservation seated 1015 not a good start but this happens with small places on busy nights when tables hang around long past eating. They seated as fast as they could and were very professional. They compt some items for good will Always appreciated. Now for the important part. I will preface by saying I am a seafood snob. I catch a lot of my own and eat fresh , work in New Orleans and eat at some of the best fresh seafood places in Nola, grew up in eastern nc with fresh seafood, deep sea fish 3 times a year -fresh snapper grouper trigger fish. I am almost always disappointed when I eat seafood out because it is expensive and not as good as I cook. It was Friday my sons birthday so no meat for the Catholics. Our meals were PERFECT. The steamed shrimp were some of the best I have ever eaten , cooked perfectly and the difference between wild caught and farm raised is appreciated. I had the signature bowl, as good as any seafood broth I have eaten in San Fran, Portland, Boston , Seattle, Alaska ... Hearty full of flavor .the bread for dipping was excellent. The family style salad and corn bread is a nice touch to go with the meals. Yes they run out of items but this is to be expected for this type of place that serves only the freshest. This is now on my list of go to places, worth every penny.
(5)
Lisa A.

Wow, review 600!! I had been waiting to write a positive review for #600 but had not really had any 5 star experiences lately. Luckily I finally got around to trying Going Coastal and I loved it!! Cute small space but not too crowded. Reminds me a lot of a place I would find in SF, so that is always a big plus for me. We went for dinner on a Sat night at 8:30pm and arrived a little early, so we grabbed a cocktail at the bar, and it was good. Short time later we were taken to out table. The tables are close enough that you can easily strike up a conversation with the people next to you, but not so close that you feel you are eating with them! We stared with the fritters and they were excellent. Husband has the Tile Fish and loved it. I don't really care for fish, but went back for a second bite of this dish, which I never do, I git the fried shrimp which had regular large shrimp but also rock shrimp and it was awesome. Not greasy at all and for sides I for the garlic mashed potato's and the jalapeno cornbread. It was a ton of food, but we manged to eat it all and even finished up with a Key Lime cupcake with tequila frosting, YUMMY!! I think GC is a great place @ a very reasonable price. Our meal with 1 bottle of wine was $93.00 before tip and we were stuffed. Our server was great too, wish I could remember her name! We have been to some of the other top seafood restaurants in ATL and thought they were just OK, especially because they have all been so $$$. Going Coastal will be the only spot we go to for seafood for now!
(5)
Jerald G.

For a "$$$" not sure it was that great. That said, loved the jalapeno cornbread pudding and basil limeade were great. Service was slow. Wanted to go somewhere nice on a 'date night' and there were a few families there. I'm not sure I'll return on my dime.
(3)
Mike Y.

Great location with no parking... I see people parking in the neighborhood behind the restaurant since the metered parking is so limited. The space itself is very small, but had a great vibe. It was a Thursday and the place seemed frenetic, but not crazy. Host and servers were friendly and attentive. Drinks & specials were introduced and so were recommendations. I love when they do that especially when I'm a first timer. Got 3 dozen oysters that night... 2 dz blue point and 1 dz of Appalachian. The oysters were decent. Flavor was fresh, but I wish it was meatier. She Crab Soup: This was pretty delicious. It was a bit on the salty side, but it had a pleasant fishy notes with bits of crab roe in there. That is authentic. None of that fake crab meat and bubble gum pink color I've seen in cheap diners. Solid dish..... Shrimp and Grits: I loved this dish! It had sauteed shrimp, lightly battered fried shrimp, and andouille sausage. The broth they used to sauce the grits was full bodied and tasted like a low country boil that was intensified. cocktails were very great too. It wasn't very light which is my complaint with most joints and the flavors were spot on. I'd definitely go back for some lobster or crab. nom...nom...nom...
(4)
Chad W.

We accidentally found this place and were so glad we did. Though they were booked up, we were able get seats at the barn, and were told we'd have a table if someone didn't show up. In the end though, we didn't want to leave the bar. Manager, Bash was a great guy, who provided us with a different drink when I ordered the wrong one for my girlfriend. The lime vinaigrette dressing was phenomenal on a fantastic salad. I ordered a decadent sheepshead fish that was to die for, while she had the stuffed chicken. We can't wait to go back.
(5)
Katherine S.

This place is getting too popular for its own good. I love the simple, fresh seafood, and it appears everyone else does as well. The 1 lb lobster special ($15 Mon-Wed) sells out fast, so go early on those nights to snap it up. The last time I went, I made a reservation (recommended) and we still had to wait 30 min for our table. But- the restaurant did make amends by offering us a free appetizer. Good wine list and delicious food for a reasonable price. A nice addition to the neighborhood, for sure.
(3)
Dru M.

This was our second time dining at Goin Coastal. We started with some oysters (4 ways - raw, rockefeller, parmesan/garlic and crab stuffed). They were tasty, but a tad gritty. But you can usually expect a little bit of that when eating oysters. I ordered the mahi (side salad, mashed potatoes as my sides), my boyfriend and one of our friends ordered the lobster special and our other friend ordered the lobster mac and cheese. Everyone was happy with their meals. I was a bit upset that they revised their drink menu since the two drinks I wanted were no longer available, BUT I decided to try the basil limeade and ended up having two. One of my friends really enjoyed the champagne cocktail, as well. So here's two drink you should try. They also have a lobster special worth mentioning. It runs Monday-Wednesday and for $15 you get a whole (1 lb) lobster with cole slaw and fries. Pretty good deal. Note...they offer valet now, but it's $3 and you might have to wait some since there is only one driver. It's good to have since street parking can be tough in th Highlands. Overall...great food, drinks and service. We'll be back again.
(4)
Keo S.

It was my first time there and had a great time. It's a small place and get's packed quickly, but that is part of the charm. I had the peel and eat shrimp app and it was perfectly seasoned. The Lobster Tacos were YUMMY! Prices are reasonable so I'm definitely coming back.
(4)
Luckie D.

Why 5? Good fresh food, friendly service and a good value. I will Return! Make this the place you meet your next on-line date, get the lobster, a beer and have a great time. Watch were you park Atlanta continues to find ways of making you re-thinking every decision to come intown. I hope a 2nd location is headed OTP. Hey somebody has to eat it.......
(5)
Mel L.

On my last visit, the owner of the B&B we were staying at suggested my mother and I come here for dinner. This place was PACKED. Even so, the host managed to squeeze us in. We split the sweet potato chips and we meant to split our two entrees but mine was so amazing I refused to share. :) Will definitely be back the next time I'm in Atlanta!!!
(5)
Oscar G.

Excellent food, excellent service. Lots of stuff I want to come back and try. Highly recommended. We went for the lobster special. $22 for maine lobster and 2 sides. $2 of that goes to the Virginia Highlands Fire Dept. a pretty worthy cause. the jalapeno corn bread pudding was really good as were the grits. after the description of the shrimp and grits from the waitress, i plan to go back to try that specifically. those grits and fried rock shrimp on top, should be awesome.
(5)
Juan M.

Beginning my Once-A-Month Best Food Joints in ATL Tour! I was looking for a good, if not decent local seafood restaurant, and I think I found one... my experience at GC was largely enjoyable! I ordered their Fried Seafood platter, sans the oysters (I don't eat them), the waiter was courteous and hospitable...one gripe I had was when I first walked in the door. No one noticed me until a few minutes later. Topped the food off with a cold glass of Stella Artois and I was full as a tick.
(4)
dean N.

Atlanta finally has a seafood restaurant worth bragging about. I've been severely seafood deprived and disappointed since moving to Atlanta from the Florida, where seafood was always readily available and fresh. Most of what's available here is overpriced, over complicated seafood. Here everything is fresh and well prepared. I had the Dungeness Crab, well prepared. The sides are very good too, collard greens, mac and cheese, all the southern classics. The lobster for $25 was a steal and the oysters were some of the freshest in town. The topper was the watermelon jalapeno margarita that starts sweet and hits you in the back of the throat. A great way to start the evening.
(5)
Cone T.

Despite its stupid name, Goin' Coastal is some of the best seafood I've had in atlanta. The restaurant also claims to only serve seafood from reliable and sustainable populations (although I don't understand how they can serve tuna... I thought all tuna was overfished.) I'd like to get more information on what their definition of 'sustainable' is. Either way, I commend them for it, and the food was delicious. My dad had a beautifully cooked branzini (Sea Bass caught off Greek shores), and I went oysters au gratin, also very well done. They served cornbread as a starter, and it could have been the best cornbread I've ever had... This place was awesome, they just need a name that doesn't sound like a run of the mill crab shack. -C
(4)
Jason C.

Great food, and wonderful service from the bar staff--but getting seated was a bit of an adventure. My one word of warning (and I'm hoping this is not the norm, but it was a serious inconvenience to us): We made an 8:30 reservation last Friday night, and were told that our table would be available shortly. Being that it was a Friday night, we didn't think twice about it. Fifteen minutes later after a few parties were seated in front of us we asked about our table again. We were told that it would be ready in 5 minutes. Another 15 minutes went by and another couple of tables were sat while we were waiting, including a couple that had come in after we had arrived. At this point, we asked again, and were again told that our table was being prepared. After another 10 min passed and another couple was sat in front of us, we expressed our displeasure to the host staff a bit more clearly. Again we were told that they were working on our table. It was now 9:15. Finally we did what we should have done from the start, which was grab a seat at the bar. The bar staff was fantastic and extremely attentive. Wine selection was great, and we greatly enjoyed our meal. Finally I'll echo the other reviews: the peel and eat shrimp were fantastic. Had it not been for that rather unbelievable seating experience, I would have given them a 4 star review.
(3)
Elizabeth A.

I'm lucky enough to live in this neighborhood and visit Goin Coastal often. Every thing I've ever had there has been nothing short of perfection. There's not a lot of fanfare, just fresh, deliciously prepared food. I just saw they are starting a brunch which I am anxious to try!!!
(5)
Korie S.

This restaurant is amazing! I would definitely recommend a reservation because they get super busy! The sustainable seafood menu changes based on the availability of the fresh seafood. My husband and I made reservations for our Anniversary dinner and we were so glad that we did. The atmosphere is so eclectic, but so comfortable and laid back. The she crab soup and the crab cakes are delicious! We enjoyed everything from the cornbread to the salad. The grouper and the trout were prepared perfectly. Chef Seth even made the rounds and greeted all of the guests. We definitely felt like VIP'S. The desserts were amazing and the service was top notch. We would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for extremely fresh and well cooked food with great service and a great atmosphere. We will be going back and soon!
(5)
Sheila J.

L Yesterday evening, while on business in Atlanta from DC, my friend took me to Goin Coastal, a neighborhood establishment, for dinner. We ordered the Pompano stuffed with crab for two, along with 2 cocktails. The cocktails were weak and the inside of the fish had not been cleaned before stuffing, cooking and serving it to us. We were EXTREMELY disappointed. The waiter was excellent. He apologized profusely and offered us "dinner on the house", which, by the way, did not include the cost of the cocktails nor any dessert. One of the owners who was on site at the time of the incident and was acutely aware of the gross incident, NEVER, came to our table to apologize. Caveat emptor.
(1)
Kathy H.

Definitely a fan! Stumbled across this place wandering through Virginia Highlands in search of food, what a cool find! Had seen this place on Yelp but was admittedly a little put off by the name - still not impressed with the lack of thought in naming the place, it cheapens what is really a very cool eatery doing extremely good things with food and sustainability. They only serve overpopulated fish, never overfished or endangered species. Because we were there late, the availability of some menu items was limited, but they made up for it in service and in quality and tastiness of the items that were available. Our waiter was a doll, very informative and repeatedly took the time to educate us on sustainable fishing and the restaurant's approach to eating. Great selection of wine. The jalapeÃ±o corn bread pudding is divine, and ours was complimentary to make up for being out of bread - points scored! The even sent staff to the grocery for grapefruit juice to fill our cocktail request, just can't say enough about the service. Organic salad was good, raw oysters, though east coast harvested and a little small, were yummy. Fried platter (I know, pedestrian, but we were both longing for fried oysters, what can I say??) was perfectly prepared, even the shrimp, which I normally don't pay much attention to. Sides were collards (good) and potatoes (so-so). Definitely would revisit, hopefully earlier in the evening when they're firing on all eight!
(4)
Steve Q.

Three of us went on a sunday night wanted to try this restaurant before we leave Atlanta in the morning ( Dont worry we return to ATL quite often). Because it was late sunday night, many of the on-board specials were sold out. The manager Scott took care of us by making special plate of snow crab legs and gulf shrimp boils. The seasoning of the boil were on-point, just right. I have tried to make gulf shrimp at home before but they came out rubbery. You have to leave it to professional chefs like the ones who are in charge here to do it right. They were tender and sweet. My wife's Fisherman bowl had all the right pieces and generous portion in a saffron scented tomatoe broth. Because they were out of PEI mussells, they substitued lobster mac and I tell you the mac is the real thing: crusty, baked and buttery, unlike the runny watery version they served with dissolving restaurant-supply cheese mix at other places. Wish for: Fantastic sea food , nice setting but Scott (mgr) I think a fish netting would add to the ambiance, no ? GOIN' COASTAL does not cut corners and does things the right way. Make your reservation early because it gets fill up quick.
(5)
Gaurav A.

Food- great, Service- great and Ambience- great. We went there around 8:45p.m. (5/28/2011) and the warm hostess immediately seated us. Our server,Amber, was very friendly.She went over the specials, the seafood catch and the wine list. The fritters was soft, warm and tasty. And for our main dish- we got the fired shrimp with corn and collard greens and the lobster tacos. Really loved everything. very satisfied and enjoyed a great evening.
(5)
George H.

This rating of 5 stars comes mostly from the excellent food and service. Not the fact that I feel the she-crab soup was too salty and the saltines needed to have no salt on them to make this dish well balanced again. The fish dishes that came out of the kitchen tonight were perfectly cooked. Friends tried the catfish and tile fish and they were both tender and great. The fried catfish was not oily but rather fried to a crunchy but not overdone texture. I tried the crabcakes and they really do not skimp on seafood here. The crab dip was loaded with seafood, and the crabcake dinner entree was either a bite of lobster or crab. Heavenly. The oysters are Market Price so I was pleasantly surprised that 1/2 dozen were $12 for the night. We grabbed a dozen and they were fresh and tasty, much better than the oysters I grabbed last week at Parish. Come here if you're craving some real seafood and at pretty large portions. Be prepared to eat. The only thing that was somewhat bland was the lemon vinaigrette for the salad, kind of boring.
(5)
Marcus H.

The fish is cooked pretty well here; however, the sides and the meal are a little pricey for what you get...
(3)
Emmanuel W.

I love this place, I have been 3 times and not had a issue. It's a upbeat small place, kinda loud so not somewhere for a first date but a great spot to hit in the spring and summer! If I stayed closer to downtown I would probably go more but the food is fresh, prices aren't the cheapest but hey you pay for the quality of food, throw that red lobster shit out the window, this is real seafood!
(4)
Greg J.

Come for the fish, stay for the pecan pie! Available / fresh fish are listed on the chalk board. Expect high quality, environmentally responsible ingredients. Two musts: 1.) order one of the specialty cocktails and 2.) make sure you get some cheesy grits as a side. Goin' Coastal is in a super location, and a great place to walk after an awesome dinner. Thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend going here!
(4)
Jodi A.

My first time here. Sat at the bar and had the best time talking to Webster (our bartender) the owner and executive chef. The peel and eat shrimp were delish, but the real star of the meal was the pecan pie. It was AMAZING. Great atmosphere, great people and ridiculously good pie. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Joanna G.

I'm one of those people who believes that "A" grades go to students who truly are exceptional (and not just the kids who garner the most extra credit points). The same goes for my ratings: I intend to keep a five star rating reserved for those places that TRULY deserve them. Goin' Coastal in Virginia Highlands absolutely deserves all of this credit. Heracles strengths: Service. Sustainability. Super-awesome-delicious-food (thus ends my alliterative tendancies). When we initially arrived about 10 minutes early for our reservation, the restaurant was packed, and I mean PACKED. Knowing it would be a bit before we could get seated, we decided to take advantage of the bar located immediately inside. My date opted for a Starburst Margarita, while I got a gin and tonic. He was happy with his fruity pink drink, and I loved the spicy bite that my G&T had. After waiting (and waiting), the chef noticed that we had been at the bar well past our reservation time. His response? To come over and spot us another round of drinks and send over bacon-wrapped scallops on a bed of spinach and mushrooms in some decadent hold-me-baby-Jesus-butter sauce. Needless to say, I would have spent the whole night sitting at the bar waiting for a table QUITE contentedly. The scallops were perfectly seared (no small feat), and the rest of the dish was a perfect compliment. Dinner for my date was the coastal bowl which he promptly devoured, while I settled on the fried oysters. I'm a Florida girl with simple (albeit specific) tastes when it comes to my seafood and I really enjoyed their homemade remoulade. For my side item I had the jalapeno corn bread pudding which was amazing. Just enough heat to keep it interesting, and ending with a light note of sweetness that really made the dish memorable. Aphrodite factor: TOTALLY a date night spot. My date and I were actually there on our "date night" when we try to pick a nicer spot to check out. I saw couples of all ages (20 somethings - 60 somethings) scattered throughout the restaurant and bar area. I also saw several families and other groups clearly there on a girls/guys night out. Make a reservation as this hot spot can be quite busy! Hermes rating: Relatively quick considering how busy this place can be. They are quick to send out salads and super tasty fresh cornbread. Achilles heel: Busy. Also a bit on the louder side, but I'd be willing to bet it's a bit quieter during the week. And the obvious: NOT a good place to go if you have seafood allergies! Libations: Amazing, amazing bartender here. AMAZING. The gentleman who whipped up my cocktails was friendly while being professional, and had the perfect hand for mixing up my drink. It was strong but not overly so, really just an excellent balance. They have a good list of wines for pairing with dishes, and the cocktails are spot on. Offering: Since it is fresh, sustainable seafood in a land-locked city, it's going to be a bit pricier. However, it is worth every penny of your purchase to get this kind of seafood in Atlanta!
(5)
Tiffany L.

The restaurant is always busy and the food is good, however, the hostess has been rude the every time I have been in or contacted the restaurant and that ruins the whole experience. In my book a great restaurant includes amazing food, great atmosphere, and a focus on customer service. Customer service is obviously not important to Goin Coastal and that will catch up to them in the long run.
(2)
Zach H.

Me and my friend who frequents this place went and ate there tonight. They didn't have any draft beers, which I thought was kinda weird (and a Sweetwater 420 was five bucks) but whatever, maybe its typical for the highlands - I don't know. The guys who helped us were super cool and friendly, Joey and Bash. Got the lobster for appetizer and it was really good, had the Bowl for dinner which is a huge portion and kicks ass - get this if you want a little bit of everything to eat. The (corn?) bread they brought out was also super good. Try not to fill yourself up on it before your main course. Once again, kick ass service, great food. Just wish they would offer some more beers. I think my friend had their specialty mixed drink which was really good as well, think its called the Coastal or Coastie or something. Check this place out.
(4)
Sara R.

Great location, relaxed fun & friendly decor. I wanted to love this place but it didn't hit me that way. Our server, Terri, was terrific. Friendly, gave us space/time to visit and didn't rush us at all. She had great wine recommendation (if I could only remember the name. Pinot Noir and a man's name). $20 for 1/2 bottle - great price. We went on Sunday Supper night. Family style veggies and extra servings if you want. The mixed green salad to start was fabo! Really really fresh lettuce, carrots, tomatoes and a delish light dressing. I ordered the trout, my friend peel & eat shrimp. The trout was a nice portion but lacked flavor. I had to salt it which I rarely do. My friend got @ 6 shrimp. The veggies were potato salad, creamed corn, steamed green beans and cuc/tom salad. All were OK but I was hoping for real veggies - steamed, no butter...that kind of thing. The price fixe dinner (well priced) comes w/dessert too. Blueberry cheesecake and from my two bites, it was good. So, great location & decor, great service but the food didn't hit me quite as I expected.
(2)
Jessica S.

Great food, great service! Joey was our server and he was awesome -- had great recommendations as first time visitors! Would definitely come back!
(5)
Shay S.

I blame myself for not liking the lobster tacos. I'm not a corn person, but I assumed corn sauce would be a sauce with a corn flavor, not corn with a cabbage/lettuce (cole slaw-ish) sauce over it. I had the sauce on the side so the tacos were pretty dry, but I was trying to be different, so oh well. The fries, however were so good. I was trying to eat like a lady, but I couldn't help but stuff a handful of fries in my mouth at a time. Ha! My mother got the low boil platter with the crab, andouille sausage, potatoes, corn, etc. It was delish and seasoned to perfection. We ate at the bar because we failed to make reservations because we didn't know. I would have preferred a table or booth because we seemed so spread out. Webster and Jodie were working the bar area, so they were our servers. Webster was very knowledgable, but so busy so we didn't get to have that interaction one prefers. Jodie seemed new because she didn't know as much, but I know with time, she'll be great. The drinks were amazing and strong! Great little restaurant! They really need to expand or move because it was PACKED in there. If you don't like seafood, then don't go, but they serve this boneless fried chicken breast with a bacon gravy over it. It's actually pretty good. Overall, I loved the place, and will go back.
(4)
Matt C.

Awesome food, service and people.
(5)
Rick G.

Based on the other reviews, I must have gone on an off-night. To begin, another person commented that the cornbread muffins were the best they had ever had. Ours were stale. I don't even remember what they tasted like. Other people say the seafood is delicious and well prepared. Well, we tried both the salmon and tuna entrees. Both were overcooked and rather dry. The seasoning was just a simple rub which didn't go well with the salmon. The overwhelming taste was dirt. The rub tasted better on the tuna, but it wasn't anything special. With both dishes, I felt myself eating just to eat, not eating because I enjoyed the food. After one appetizer (which was frankly terrible), 2 entrees, 1 glass of inexpensive wine, and 2 beers, our total was a little over $90. Yes, the entrees come with 2 sides (some were decent, some were just ok) and you end up with a lot of food, but I care much more about quality than quantity. For about the same money we could have had a MUCH better meal elsewhere (Cakes & Ale, Rathbun's, etc). On food alone, I'd give them 2 stars. Service was great, though, and since they're just starting out, I'll give them 3.
(3)
A P.

Excellent food! Great waiting service! Took longer than expected to be seated, but once we had our meals it was worth the wait! Will definitely be returning.
(4)
Aaron L.

I travel a lot and eat in a lot of random restaurants. Rarely does a place stand out like this one. I decided fish was what I wanted tonight, and researched places in the Atlanta area. Ended up calling Goin' Coastal to see what fish they had on hand (it's not updated/listed on their website). The hostess Stephanie was great - suggested a reservation, to which I said I was solo and would just sit at the bar, she insisted on letting the bartender know that I was coming anyways. So, I hopped in the car and apple maps F&^*$%'d me, taking me 20 minutes in the wrong direction. I sheepishly finally showed up right as they were closing. Stephanie came up and immediately recognized she had spoken to me on the phone, and went to make sure she could still seat me. Between her and Joey (server) the service at this place was amazing, very attentive but not overbearing. They even had a little hand-drawn placeholder with my name on it. The food was excellent. I ordered the Swordfish with their signature Coastal preparation - amazing. Loved the squash and potatoes that came with it. Decent micro brew selection, too! I highly recommend this place, and I will absolutely be back when I'm in town, andwill be telling my colleagues, whom also frequent Atlanta. Anyone thinking fresh fish for dinner - come to Goin' Coastal! Cheers!
(5)
arlene d.

Have been wanting to go here for a long time. All there seafood is sustainable like that idea very much. Went on a Monday night slow night. First impression when going over the menu they were out of several items kind of a turn off. Did have special $20.00 lobster night with choice of 1 side and salad great deal. Friendly wait staff. Little pricey had some burnt potatoes in my seafood dish
(3)
Keitha D.

Food was great. Seating not so much. I was in a party of 6 and the table they set up for us was clearly for a party of 4. My date kept hitting the waiters in the crotch everytime they walked by. Quite awkward. The mussels were delicious and so was the lobster crab cake. Nice wine selection as well. i'd go back, but not with a large group/
(3)
Dana B.

I have been to Goin' Coastal in Virginia Highlands a few times and each experience tops the previous one. I originally reserved for a party of 11 for last Friday night and it grew to 17 that day. It was for a special dinner to celebrate a father and son's birthdays, both on the same day. Seth, the owner, Scott, and Joey all accommodated us and made it a memorable evening. They all go the extra mile to make sure you feel a part of their family. The food and drinks are always great and I've tried something different each time. Goin Coastal is easily my favorite restaurant.
(5)
Connie H.

WTC? The biggest plate of shrimp I have ever seen! 3 people could eat on 1 plate. Very fresh and great service.
(4)
B S.

This is one of my favorite seafood restaurants, and they have the freshest crab & shrimp I've had in Atlanta. My friends and I had an amazing dinner there a few weeks ago. They steam their shellfish to perfection, and the blue cheese stuffed olive martinis are amazing! Oh, and you must try the lobster mac & cheese. The service is also top notch, and the waiters can help you make a choice. If you haven't tried it yet, you're missing out!
(5)
Kari N.

Best Seafood and Service in Atlanta! Goin' Coastal in Virginia Highlands is the best seafood I've had in Atlanta by far. Everything I've ordered has been absolutely amazing. My favorites include their Lobster & Crab Cakes, Caesar Salad is great, the Low Country Platter with Crab Legs is the best, Lobster Mac & Cheese...need I say more?, and their steak specials are always super tasty. You really can't go wrong. If that's not enough reason to make this one of your favorite spots, the attentive service and friendly bartender and service will. The staff remembers what I like to drink, what apps I like to eats and things I don't like. ie. bacon ;-) Everyone is always very friendly and so accommodating. Another great thing about Goin' Coastal is their Loyalty and Rewards Program. There are many perks to enjoy like free valet parking, priority seating and you get points for every dollar you spend. You really can't beat it. This place blows all other seafood restaurants out of the water! You have to try it!
(5)
Brian B.

Wow, this place was way below expectations. After reading all the reviews I decided to take my wife and family out to this restaurant for my wife's birthday. We made reservations and everything seemed ok until we got there. We had reservations for 7 people and we were seated in the back near the kitchen at a table that was really mean for 4-5 comfortable. The waiter was nice, but not knowledgeable about the daily specials and had to keep going back and forth to the chalk board in the front. As a family we had a good time, but the food was just average based on all our food choices. So I normally would rate this 3, but it only gets worse. Both my wife and I ended up getting food poisoning from the food. Of course it could have been something else we ate, but the dinner was the first thing we shared in over 48 hours and we got sick at almost the identical time (around 12 am that night) Other family members reported upset stomachs also. The final straw was when my wife posted what happened on their facebook page, they just deleted the post. Now I understand from a marketing perspective not wanting that on your page, but not even a private message or anything offering an apology? Take it from me, your $ would be wisely spent elsewhere.
(1)
Julie C.

Fantastic lunch with stellar service from Eric. The Basil Limeade is off the chain delicious & refreshing. The lobster tacos are fresh, with the vegetable of the day being from-the-garden peas, shelled by the staff. Eric made our family time very special with great seating and attentive service. My new fav spot.
(5)
Kristin D.

I have been on yelp looking for a new restaurant to try out and I stumbled upon some reviews on Goin coastal that I don't agree with. My husband and I are regulars and have always had great service, delicious food, and they have always been extremely accommodating! I have never been to a restaurant before that remembered my name, drink, and allergies after the first time dinning with them. To not return to a restaurant because they ran out of hot tea is ridiculous. Also if u go out to eat on a Saturday night in atlanta, you should expect a wait, with or without a reservation.
(5)
Libby D.

Well, I have heard about this place (actually the Canton location) for some time now and in spite of living nearby just finally made it in a couple of weeks ago. And, well, I am a little disappointed. Wish I could give it a 2.5, I think I would describe this place as a sweet neighborhood spot serving seafood for people who don't really like seafood. The restaurant is attractive, simple and small. The staff were nice adequate, but young. I do like that they serve sustainable fish and shellfish. But the menu wasn't to my taste. Most things are some dish with fish in them or fish/shellfish tarted up in some rich sauce. Given that we were looking for fresh fish & shellfish our table ordered raw oysters, peel and eat shrimp and the Low Country platter. The cornbread they brought to start the meal was so wet it fell apart and was sweet - blech - not really cornbread. More like creamed corn trying to pass itself off as a bread. Just weird and mushy. The cocktails were good - the ginger/apricot martini and the basil limeade at our table were well liked. The fish dishes were all super-bland. What was cooked was well cooked but nothing had any oopmh. Even the cocktail sauce tasted just like ketchup. There was some horseradish with the oysters (which were the WORST, wateriest, tasteless raw oysters I have ever eaten) that we had to mix into the cocktail sauce to give it the proper flavor. The people around us who had lobster mac & cheese and fried somethings seemed to like their food, but if you are going for simply prepared, fresh fish - that doesn't seem to be their sweet spot. And the bill was not inexpensive. You are paying for the sustainable aspect of the fish and the VAHI rent. I wanted to like it but it isn't for me. For fish/shellfish in metro Atlanta, C&S remains our choice. We did see a $15 lobster roll special on weekends only. Given that we can walk here, we will probably give it one more try once it cools off a bit - maybe that will have a little more flavor.
(2)
Maggie C.

Went here for a random Tuesday-night dinner. Was pleased with everything, including the service. They make it known from the start that they are sustainable and conscious about when and where they get their fish. We tried the mussels (app), low-country broil, and collards. The portion size (which truly was a "heaping bowl") of the mussels app was enough for a meal, no doubt. All of the mussels were cooked (open) and the sauce was too tempting to try and dip in the leftover crumbs of the complimentary cornbread they serve you. The low-country broil had shrimp, crab legs, andouille sausage, and red potatoes. At first, we thought it wouldn't be enough considering our LOVE for seafood; however, we were pleasantly surprised and full. The shrimp were large and cooked to perfection, as were the crab legs (which didn't need to be dipped into anything). There were large chunks of the sausage and potatoes and it all came served on a platter instead of a typical pot you might see at restaurants that actually lie on the coast. (I think it actually made our eating experience more efficient that way.) The collards were fine. Not mind-blowing like the ones at Table & Main in Roswell but not terrible. I'd order them again. Good job, GC. Only comment other than a compliment: go for a more unique beer selection.
(4)
Keith H.

Hooked" on "Goin' Coastal" I frequently have outta town guests and they look forward to dining out at a new restaurant every visit. So, of course, I couldn't disappoint them, since seafood is their favorite food, I decided to take them to this new sustainable seafood restaurant, "Goin' Coastal" in the Virginia Highland neighborhood. "Goin' Coastal" what a catchy name! We visited the restaurant on a Sunday, so our dining option consisted of their "Sunday Supper" menu( a fixe prixe menu), $17 for a 4 course meal(Kids $6), 5pm-10pm. What a great idea, very reminiscent of my childhood days having Sunday Dinner at my grandma's. Sunday Supper offers guest a starter(fresh green salad), one of 5 seafoods or meats and shared family style sides(collards, cheesy grits, veggie medley, red potatoes salad), did I mention, there's also dessert. The food is seasoned well, cook to perfection, the salad and sides, are all you can eat, so come hungry and ready to "chow" down(LOL). Reservations are a must, the restaurant fills up fast! There's also a full bar, there's plenty of neighborhood street parking. Walk, run, Swim, just get there! Now, don't dine alone, be sure to bring your family and friends.
(5)
Andre B.

New restaurant in Va-Hi specializing in sustainable seafood. Great seafood, great service, sides are fine, but it's really about the seafood. There's limited seating at a small bar, so you'd be well advised to make reservations.
(4)
Craig F.

Ate there for New Years Eve. I am a bit spoiled coming from Charleston SC and I tried to take this into consideration in terms of my expectations. Overall a good meal with fair prices. The quality of the food definitely came through. The cornbread was so good...moist and slightly sweet but not overwhelming. Had the corn chowder as a starter and the table ordered the gator tail. Gator tail was surprisingly "ungamey" and tender (tasted like chicken! LOL)...chowder was fine. Not too creamy and the potato chunks were nice. There was an ambundance of shredded carrot that was not necessary and not enough corn. I was not in the mood for seafood so I got the boneless fried chicken. Fresh tasting but nothing earth shattering (Rosebud down the street has a better fried chicken than them). Most disappointing was that there was only ONE dessert offering...a pecan pie. I am allergic to nuts so that was not even an option. To not have at LEAST 3 offerings (esp on New Years Eve) is a little ridiculous. The major plus to this place is the friendly vibe that it produces...and that goes a long way. I enjoyed my meal for the most part and I found the prices to be fair, so I will be back.
(3)
Dustin W.

My gf and I stopped here for a few drinks before we went to dinner else where. The drinks were fantastic but the bartender was ultra lame debating if I should even go back.
(3)
Martta R.

We found this seafood restaurant through Yelp and we are very thankful. We were a large party and very hungry. For starters, we had the deep fried pickles, the gator tail, and a full pound of peel and eat shrimp. I was surprised at the tenderness of the gator tail. I have had it before and it tended to be chewy. It was served with an Asian inspired sweet chili sauce. The deep fried pickles were breaded lightly and served with a chipotle cream sauce that tasted a lot like a spicy ranch dressing. The pickles were enjoyed so much, that we had two orders of them. As for the peel and eat shrimp, they did not last long on the table. They were sweet and tender, served with their home made seasoning on top and cocktail sauce on the side. The pickles were $6, the gator tail was $8 and the shrimp was $21 for the full pound. The main courses were priced from $18 to $25. My husband had a pot boil of crab legs, red potatoes, Andouille sausage, shrimp, and corn on the cob. I had the Southern Fried platters with a combo of rock shrimp, oysters and catfish. The breading was very light and not saturated with oil. Neither of us was happy with the remoulade sauce (not spicy enough), so we dipped in the chipotle cream sauce. We both had coleslaw and a jalepeno corn bread pudding. Truthfully, I was not a fan of the coleslaw. The jalepeno in the corn bread pudding was not over powering, but subtle with a bite. It was not a true bread pudding, but rather it had a consistency similar to a spoon bread. Two in our party tried the lobster tacos. The lobster was flash fried and served in soft corn tortillas with a citrus based corn salsa and shoe string french fries. Another in our party opted for the lobster macaroni and cheese. When other's sampled the mac and cheese, they promptly ordered it too! Combined with four appetizers, eight main courses, tax and tip, our bill came to $200. Now, if you decide to visit, I suggest you do it on off hours. From what I understand, it can get crowded and a bit loud. Still, if I get a chance to visit again, you better believe I would any time!
(4)
brian l.

We went for the wonderful lobster rolls for lunch over the weekend after not visiting since around the time they opened. The lobster rolls are pretty darned good - for a roll outside of the northeast.... And those curry fries, man on man.... But the thing that makes me want to come back more than we have in the past is the fact is much of their fish is whole, fresh caught that are fully prepped and cut up in the restaurant (not fillets from a supplier) - - we actually watched them prep a huge king salmon. Might not sound like much, but I realized how fresh their seafood is. My personal rule is 'no seafood if you can't see the sea' as Atlanta tends to have substandard fish that usually are frozen fillets from a unnamed seafood wholesale-er. I think the space sometimes gives the impression they have cheaper food than they actually do... This is a place the neighborhood really needs to support!
(5)
Lauren P.

my guy and i went on the search for fresh seafood last saturday night...we had stumbled across goin' coastal a few times before but had never tried it. we called and the hostess was very kind..she informed us there were no reservations available but we would be welcome at the bar and it wasn't crowded at the moment. we went over, pulled up a seat at the bar, which looks directly into the kitchen. we were greeted by our fantastic bartender, Joey, who was warm, helpful and very genuine. The owner was expediting, and we sat right next to the expo. He almost immediately greeted us and introduced himself. (Seth) My dirty martini with bleu cheese bacon stuffed olives was delicious! A real martini! yes! And my partner had the basil limeade...fresh and tasty, served hipster style in a mason jar. The kitchen staff were upbeat, bantering with Seth on expo as the threw handfuls of fresh spinach into pans and beautiful, pearly white scallops onto the grill. We asked Seth about the mussels...he immediately checks in with the kitchen to see if they still have them... He continues to explain that they get their seafood daily and often run out of more popular items later in the evening because they have no freezer. Everything is received and used day of, or it's tossed. Love it. We received our order of mussels (traditional style...garlic and lots of melted butter) with a side of fresh crusty ciabatta. Best mussels ever. And i couldn't stop dipping my bread in that broth.... My guy had oysters as well...very traditional minuet with super fresh cocktail sauce and horseradish. I have never been one to appreciate the oyster...try as I may, they are lost on me. But these were the least offensive I've tried in my many attempts to learn to love them. My guy was in heaven. We ordered a willamette valley pinot off the menu...unfortunately they were out but Joey was incredibly helpful...he offered up tastes of a few similar wines until we found a bottle we could enjoy. We also ordered the scallops and baked salmon for our entrees...both very fresh, simple and outstanding. The scallops were perfect, buttery and sweet. With the casual, friendly atmosphere, outstanding attentive service and wonderful food I know we will be back soon!
(5)
Possum I.

The food was ok but the service was some of the worse I've experienced in a long time. Our waitress had NO idea what she was doing. When she brought a new drink, she just left the empty glass on the table. When she brought a new plate of cornbread, she just put the new plate on top of the old one. We were seated next to a table that had just left the restaurant. 25 minutes later, they still had not cleared that table. I had to ask someone to clear it and a fight between three employees started as a result. The Red IPA ($8 pint) was terrible....tasted like flat Milwaukee's Best keg beer. We said something to the waitress and she just shrugged her shoulders. Very doubtful that I will return.
(2)
Jeff L.

We had a really great experience here. Located right in the Virginia Highlands. They use sustainable fish for their menu. The food was excellent and well portioned. Waiter (Mike) was super nice and very attentive. I will definitely come back the next time I am in Atlanta...
(4)
S B.

I would have given this place 5 stars, but the service was lacking just a bit to warrant a 5-star rating. Came for a slew of appetizers as opposed to a standard dinner, but we ended up having 2 dozen oysters, too much cornbread, and then only had room for the crab/lobster cake app. The oysters were on point. Mignonette was stellar, cocktail sauce just spicy enough, crackers a plenty. The server only gave us one cocktail fork for two people "because she couldn't find another." For the status of this place, you should have looked a bit harder OR run a rack of silver through the dish pit. Anyway, back to the food. The cornbread is so freaking good. The lobster/crab cake thing was also amazing. Pairing the two into a small bite slider = the best idea ever. Bottom line, this place is a bit pricey, but the food is awesome. I haven't had the entrees yet, but judging by the apps, I'll for sure be back for a date night sometime in the near future.
(4)
Solomon S.

I have never had a more unpleasant experience at a seafood restaurant. The crabcake appetizer was good, and the hush puppies were delicious. but when my entree arrived, i found the breading on my fried oysters and shrimp to be overwhelming. I could not even taste the oysters for all the breading, and it came out luke warm. It is more expensive than their seafood restaurant neighbor Fontaine's, but at Fontaine's I always leave satisfied.
(1)
M A.

Finally, a neighborhood joint that serves great food, without the stuffy atmosphere! Food is great and the service is incredible. On an off night, sit at the bar and let Webster take care of everything. My wife and I spent a great Thursday night meeting the owner and being treated like special guests ...and it was crowded!! Do not leave without having a slice of pecan pie. It's life changing.
(5)
Robby C.

A group of 7 met for a 8:30 reservation last Saturday at Goin Coastal. We got a drink and were seated promptly. We were given only three menus, but the place was packed and our super friendly waitress apologized, we were havin' fun, so it was no big deal.. Drink and appetizer orders were taken shortly after we were seated. I tasted the oysters on the half and they were very fresh and delicious. I ordered the She Crab Soup, it was very good, but I like more than a splash of Sherry or the way they do it at the restaurant in Neiman Marcus, which is the best I have ever had. For my entree I ordered the Low Country Bouillabaisse which was a fancy Low Country Boil, which I've had quite a few times. It was absolutely delicious!! Especially the taste of fennel which worked well with the seafood, I really enjoyed it and was very pleasantly surprised. For a side I tried the Jalapeno Corn Bread Pudding, it was good, I would have liked it better if there were more jalapeno, then again, that's just me. The Chardonnay was very good as well with the dinner. Plenty of corn bread was brought to the table, it was cake like and very moist and very good. I liked the no frills decor, which is nice after visiting restaurants which can be over designed. I'm from Virginia, so Goin Coastal reminded me of the seafood restaurants I'm used to seeing in the tidewater region. The host, bartender and waitress were very friendly and again, the place was packed. The prices were mid to high end, which surprised me at first, but after my entree I could see why, super fresh in every way. I think Goin Coastal is no frills seafood at it's best, I would recommend it and really hope to be back soon.
(4)
Sean S.

Newbie to the concept of 'sustainable seafood,' I really enjoyed the servers walking me through the what's what. They even gave me educational materials to take with me and share with friends. The prices were reasonable and I enjoyed their twist on home-style, Southern accents to all the dishes. (The bar served a mean gin-and-tonic infused with cucumber that was perfect for summer.) My only two tick-marks against are the space -- it's a tight fit for patrons -- and the noise. But in fairness, it's loud in almost every restaurant in town these days. One celeb sighting the night I went: Keshia Knight Pulliam (Lil' Rudy from The Cosby Show) sat across from us. She ain't lil' no mo'!
(4)
Q C.

First of all Goin' Coastal has great seafood. I've eaten here a few times and initially I ordered from the menu which is very good, but ordering one (or more) of the specials from the big board is AWESOME! Service is great and the head chef / owner is very personable and knows the names of his regular patrons. I usually sit at the bar where they remember my name and drink of choice. They also have something for the turf lovers, so its a cool for everyone. I'd recommend Goin' Coastal to anyone.
(5)
Gayle B.

I've been to Goin' Coastal twice. My only complaint is that it's not bigger. The last time I was there, my fish came out cold and raw. I notified the waitress. One of the owners immediately came to my table, brought me yummy cold soup (it was supposed to be cold), and personally brought out my fish when it was done. He came over to my table twice more to be sure it was okay. Their corn on the cob (rubbed in Bay seasoning), is yummy! Ditto on the collard greens, which I had never had in my life! Fish is fresh, good, and reasonably priced! A great addition to the neighborhood.
(4)
Summer T.

I was there last night. The food was good. I am happy to see this new restaurant is doing good. Wish them luck!
(4)
Jackson B.

Love the atmosphere! Love the food! Love the service! It feels like you actually are on the coast somewhere! Bloody marys were fantastic! Only minor tweak: Drinks and appetizers are a little pricey for a neighborhood restaurant: $13 bloody marys and $15 oysters rockefeller.
(4)
F H.

I was blown away by this restaurant! The food was all very fresh and reasonably priced, the server was attentive and knowledgeable, and the ambiance was perfect. We started with a sampler of the baked oysters - the crab stuffed were my favorite - and then got soups. The she crab soup was good, but a little too sweet for my taste. I had the king crab legs for an entree and thought they were absolutely wonderful - not overcooked and super fresh. We had some hushpuppies which were, without a doubt, the best hushpuppies I've ever had. These were light, fluffy, and slightly sweet - not dense and cornbread-y like most hushpuppies. The cheese grits were actually edible (I normally dislike grits). I'd go back to this place in a heartbeat!
(4)
Katie C.

So, my friends and I have the opportunity to dine out at Goin' Coastal again last week, and what a huge difference! I wanted to update my review because I see now that our experience was not typical for the restaurant. The staff was helpful, courteous, and on-the-ball. Our cocktails we made perfectly this time (which always helps after a tough day)... Furthermore, the food was amazing. Our food last time was great, but this was even better this time. We started out with crab cakes and peel and eat shrimp. Usually I don't think much of shrimp, but I will say the these shrimp were different than most. I would definitely order them again. For our main course, we ordered one grouper special blackened, one grouper special baked, and the snow crab legs. We all shared (three of us) and couldn't even finish everything. Each dish was great and I'm glad we each ordered a different plate so we could have a little taste of everything. We were served a huge piece of grouper... Then, when we didn't think we could eat anymore we ordered and shared one of the tastiest desserts I have had in a long time. It tasted like a Tiramisu pie and was woth over-eating for! After I was proved wrong during my last visit, I see now that my friends and I just stumbled upon a really bad night, because our last visit was not reflective of the first. I would most certainly recommend Goin' Coastal to friends in the future. Perfect for a nice dinner date, a casual girls night out, or even to just stop by for a cocktail. I will be back.
(5)
Linda B.

Best place for fresh seafood in the ATL. We decided to try this place for our anniversary a few nights ago and absolutely loved it. The place has a wide assortment of "catch of the day's" as well as some main stays on their menu. We had the grilled MahiMahi, mine was just regularly seasoned while my husband had his "blackened" - both were sensational. For the sides we had coleslaw which was fresh and homemade and the cheese grits which probably are the best I've ever had. I will say we were thankful to have made reservations. This was on a Tuesday evening but the place was still completely slammed. The only negative thing I can say is that they appeared to be understaffed given the volume of customers. Also, while they probably don't have the space, some outside dining would have been nice as the inside of the restaurant was very loud. Other than that, this is now going to be our "go to" place anytime we have out of town guest whom we want to impress in our fine city.
(4)
Susie L.

We have been enjoying Goin Coastal since they first opened in our neighborhood. It's like Cheers to me. Everyone is happy to see us when we visit, be it a weekday or a weekend - the whole family or just my husband and I. I made a reservation to celebrate an event with my family. I made the reservation with one of the owners that answered the phone. I told him about the celebration. When we got there we were welcomed as usual with smile s and hugs all around. As we filled in one of the booths, they brought out 2 of the special appetizers - fantastic. Then a bottle of champagne - so kind and thoughtful. We all enjoyed our wonderfully prepared food, so fresh and delicious. Then our waitress, Tiffany, brought out a cake. Not just any cake by any 'ol person, but one of her own creations. My first cake since my wedding covered in fondant. It read Goin Coastal on top, and Mazel Tov on the side. They had done research to congratulate me on my adult Bat Mitzvah. Amazing! We love to go to Goin Coastal. We enjoy the owners, their wait staff, and of course - their food! We are so happy that they decided to have their second restaurant in Virginia Highlands! Here's to many more happy occassions, be it a weeknight, weekend, or an extra special day. Best Wishes!
(5)
Alex F.

sustainable seafood what else ameripure oysters very nice, oh did I mention the rare vos on tap nuff said
(4)
Jamel N.

scallop and shrimp risotto was rich and creamy, crab fritters were delicious as was the krispy kreme bread pudding, not too sweet as you would expect... was disappointed by their basil limeade wasn't what I expected, I could barely taste the basil.
(4)
Who W.

I had a good experience here, bartender was nice, food was pretty good, but it also didn't wow me (fish was missing a little something special and the veggies were pretty bland and a bit over done). Initially red wine was served too cold, but they made up for it. The hush puppies were great! I think they earn the A-OK rating, I'd go back for their specials but not for a special date.
(3)
Gil V.

Went on a Saturday night at 8:30. Called and got a reservation probably a good idea on the weekend around that time. Everything was really good. We had a few specialty cocktails. They were good, but a touch sweet. No call liquors which was kind of strange. Had the dip which was tasty and crabby in composition and aroma. Wife had the Sullivan island shrimp which was good for her because she was wanting something a touch spicy and diffrent. She said she would definatly get it again. I had the amberjack. I really liked the way it was cooked. Someone else might have thought it to be over cooked but it had a very good flavor and texture and the portion was Just bout right given appetizer, corn,bread, and cocktails. Corn on the cob was tasty. No dessert. I am giving this 4 stars because I feel as though the city is short on strait up seafood restaurants and I walked away just as happy with the meal as I have at Atlanta fish market or oceanaire. Down side was parking, no call liquor, my 8 dollar cocktail was not outstanding, and all the breads were very cakie if you know what I mean. Very small infractions, but I'm a picky bitch.
(4)
Alice B.

I love this place! The Sunday Supper is great.
(4)
Kai T.

I am a regular at this restaurant. I go there several times a week. Recently I had to go to the emergency room, and have been homebound since. They found out and have not only sent food, they even went to the pharmacy and picked up my prescription for me. The people who work here are great and they really care about the customers. I joined the loyalty program bc of the reward points, but I had no idea how much they really do appreciate loyalty. I recommended them to everyone before this, now i only wish yelp had q way to give 6 stars.
(5)

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Address : 1021 Virginia Ave NE
Atlanta, GA, 30306
Phone (404) 941-9117
Website https://www.goincoastalseafood.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :5:00 pm - 10:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Goin’ Coastal

1021 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30306

Goin’ Coastal Menu

Appetizers

Soup And Salad

Fin Fish Preperations

Shellfish Specialties

Sides

Healthy Meal suggestions for Goin’ Coastal

Appetizers

Soup And Salad

Fin Fish Preperations

Shellfish Specialties

Sides

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