This fresh, home-style seafood is hard to come by in AZ.  This is why we are so excited to share our latest experience.  While scanning the 411 Ahwatukee Facebook page we saw a discussion about this new restaurant that opened at the Ahwatukee/Tempe border. It was said that they had AH-Mazing crab cakes and seafood.  That was enough information for us to load up the kiddo and set off to find this magical place.  Within 8 minutes, we were there.  Located in the plaza at the southwest corner of Elliot and 51st street, Chesapeake Bay Bistro is clearly visible upon entering the parking lot. 

We felt quite welcome upon entry.  We were greeted with smiles and felt the warm family business vibe radiating towards us…we love this about many Ahwatukee businesses and this one fits right in!  The decor was perfect and represents what you would want from an east coast ocean-side eatery.   The use of repurposed wood, cottage-style trim, and beach colors give a classic boardwalk feel.  They have a wall dedicated to flip flops and customers can write their names on them and/or decorate them. Our 7-year-old did not hesitate to help out with this!  The owners, a husband and wife team, brought this vision from the east to our desert oasis in AZ.   

The menu has many options of fresh fish that are flown in weekly and cooked to perfection.  There is quite a list of unique and mouth-watering fish not common to AZ which is awesome.  The fish can be grilled or fried.   You have a choice of how you would like your fish served such as taco style, salad or a dinner plate with sides.   They have many appetizers to choose from as well.  The owner explained the menu which really helped with deciding what to order. 

We decided to split the sea bass and red snapper with steamed clams to kick it off.  The clams were perfectly cooked in a silky-smooth delicious broth.  Our 7-year-old is the clam pro and, judging by his ear-to-ear smile upon the first bite, we knew it was good!  We had our fish blackened on the grill.  It was awesome and had the perfect amount of spice and seasoning all while enhancing the flavor and texture of the moist cuts of fish.  We had corn, a beautifully presented side salad and house-made coleslaw.   It was all very good!  They were sold out of crab cakes at the time, which is a favorite of ours and what most people were raving about on Facebook.  We figured the crab must be delicious if it was sold out!

Hats off Chesapeake Bay Bistro!  Two thumbs up from The Ahwatukee Mom. 👍👍