'Watts for Dinner': Kretch's – Unassuming setting, friendly faces make for fun time

Seafood strudel anyone? That’s just one of the signature dishes that makes Kretch’s a Marco Island original. Stepping inside is like visiting another time and place; unassuming down-home fishing-village décor; friendly faces and something on the menu for everyone.

I started things off with the baked French onion soup ($5.50) – “a caramelized onion in hearty beef broth with crème sherry, rye and melted provolone cheese.” This soup hits every note; and if I had stopped here, I would have been completely satisfied.

For my main entrée, I ordered from the “Bar Bites” menu; a list of tradition lunch items that you can order for dinner. You got to love ‘em for that. I picked the chicken club ($9.95) – grilled chicken breast with bacon, swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato on a Kaiser roll. You can option avocado slices for $1.95; and I was tempted; but my waitress gave me the low-down on the quality for the night, so I passed. Again, high marks. At a good restaurant, when you ask the wait staff their opinion, they’ll give it to you. Never be shy.

The chicken breast was huge, tender, juicy and cooked to perfection; with thick-cut slab bacon and covered in melted cheese. The veggies were fresh (and on the side) – lettuce, tomato and some of the best pickles I’ve ever eaten. Only one small complaint, the roll could have been a tad fresher.

My dish also came with some creamy cole slaw and a choice side – I picked the sweet potato fries. They were crinkle cut and perhaps the most amazing part of my meal. Crunchy, tasty and salted to perfection. I dip them in mayonnaise for the ultimate experience.

My partner in dine picked the chicken Florentine ($18.95) – “grilled chicken breast topped with sautéed fresh spinach, fontina cheese and toasted parmesan bread crumbs.” It came with a fresh side salad.

The dish looked amazing and gets high marks for presentation. And while each ingredient was spot on, something about the coming-together process was lacking. Personally, I think between the amazing soup and salad, the body was just not ready for more.

Kretch’s is a solid performer. We also experienced some of the best and most friendly service around. Even the customers seemed happier and more open then you generally see these days; something I can only presume is a product of the environment here.

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If you go

Kretch's

• 527 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island
• 239-394-3433
• kretchs.com