After eating half my sandwich, I switched to the make-it-yourself Titanic Tacos. Served with three hard taco shells, shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and a heaping bowl of shrimp, crab and scallops, it was a Mexican seafood fiesta.

With huge bay windows overlooking Milwaukee's harbor and outdoor seating near the imported sand, Rip Tide Seafood Bar & Grill gives visitors a chance to forget they're in Milwaukee and enjoy some real seafood.

The restaurant is located on the edge of the Third Ward. Driving there I was wondering what I was getting myself into. Turning off Water Street onto Erie Street, for a small stretch it seemed like I was going to the edge of nowhere.

Then at the end of the street, there is the wide-open harbor, and it's like I left Milwaukee and spent the whole day on the beach.

Upon entering, hosts greeted my friends and me with smiles, and we did the same to the bar. Margaritas and seashores go hand in hand. Rip Tides' margaritas didn't quite rank up to La Fuente's, but they certainly didn't disappoint us. With fairly generous portions, they were worth the $6.

After only a couple minutes waiting for our reservation to be confirmed, we grabbed our seats right next to the window. Of course almost all seats are next to a window or at least it felt that way because the seating area is so open.

The menu ranged from whole Maine lobster and Atlantic salmon to Mediterranean burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. Prices ranged from $12 for sandwiches to $20 for entrees.

After a long wait, we finally placed our order. I still wasn't sure what to expect from a Milwaukee seafood grill, but I hoped for the best. I went with the crab cake sandwich after a friend recommended it.

Regardless of how the meal turned out, I figured I would still get the complimentary salad and rolls with the couple entrees ordered at our table. But after trying the salad, I knew why it was complimentary. Drenched in bad Italian-vinaigrette dressing, there wasn't much enticement to eat the greenery served in a group bowl for the table. The fresh rolls were good though and helped "tide" us over.

After the servers cleared away our mostly untouched salad bowls, our food was on the way.

My crab cake sandwich surrounded with crispy fries was worth the praise that my friend gave it. More than just a bun with a little meat, the tender well-seasoned crab cake actually filled up the bun.

Across the table, another friend had the snow crap. With the huge legs extending off the edge of her plate at the start of the meal, there was only a shell left at the end.

After eating half my sandwich, I switched to the make-it-yourself Titanic Tacos. Served with three hard taco shells, shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and a heaping bowl of shrimp, crab and scallops, it was a Mexican seafood fiesta. It was a little spicy, but still didn't hide the fresh taste of the huge juicy scallops.

Out of a group of about 10 people, with orders including seafood fettuccini, pan-fried tilapia, and a towering turkey club, there was only one complaint. The coconut-battered shrimp, which came with six for $18, was a little skimpy on its serving size. But I think he would have wanted more no matter how many they served.

Not that I had any room left at the end of the meal, I still topped it off with a chocolate sundae. With real whipped cream stacked on top and a whole layer of rich chocolate at the bottom, it was the perfect ending to the meal and almost made me forget about the disappointing salad earlier in the meal.

This summer, or maybe even next week, I definitely plan on going back. On a Monday night, a pound of shrimp and a pitcher of Miller is $14.95, Tuesday a pound of king crab legs is $12.95, Wednesday is $1 tap beers and $3 margaritas for college students, and Thursday it is $14.95 for one-pound lobsters.

After taking pictures outside on the deck surrounded by towering gas lights, we finally called it a night.

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