Casey's Seafood Grille and Pub: Fish, Burgers, Beer and Even a Zebra

is one of those neighborhood spots where you go for a drink after work, a family dinner or a quick appetizer and a beer before a movie. It's nestled in a strip mall and is easily missed when driving down busy West Chester Pike. I will admit that I had driven by it twice before I found it. The parking lot is big and the staff welcomed me immediately when I went in last week.

I have a soft spot for seafood. No matter what form it comes in, I feel like I'm eating healthier. Yes, even when I have deep fried coconut shrimp. I don't pretend that this makes any sense but I'm just telling you how I feel. Casey's has an extensive menu featuring everything under the sun. There's a half-pound burger, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, prime rib and even a chicken pot pie. 

Despite the abundant options, we went straight for the seafood. My friend had their "famous" Maryland crab cakes ($11.99) with the chicken corn chowder to start. I had the zebra-striped lobster ravioli ($19.99) and upgraded my basic salad to the iceberg wedge for $3.99. The chowder was thick and hearty and didn't need the added crunch of crushed saltines. The crab cakes were good but I wished for just a bit more crab and less filler.

The iceberg wedge was enormous. I think it was easily a quarter head of lettuce. The tomatoes, onions and blue cheese crumbles were also quite abundant. I cried "uncle" after eating about a third of it. It would be a nice salad to share.

The lobster ravioli were fun to look at since the usual plain pasta sheet was replaced by a vibrant black and cream zebra stripe pattern. The filling was full of lobster and crab meat and the sauce was creamy and delicious. The julienned vegetable garnish was a bit unnecessary but pretty to look at. I really enjoyed these raviolis. It's no secret that lobster raviolis are one of my favorite things to eat.

We enjoyed our meals with a glass of chianti and reisling although the restaurant has a full bar and wide selection of soft drinks as well. The chianti was easy drinking and affordable. The reisling was a crisp and refreshing pairing for seafood.

For our sweet dining coda, we couldn't resist the bread pudding and key lime pie. The bread pudding was huge (big enough for two) and, oh, so decadent. It arrived warm and covered with a creme anglaise and whipped cream. The key lime pie was yellow (which means it's authentic; fake key lime pie is green), tart and wonderful. The graham cracker crust, blueberries and small dollop of whipped cream all tied in perfectly with the tangy filling. My vote for best dessert is definitely the key lime pie.

The service was great–casual and friendly yet professional. All of our questions were answered in a timely fashion with a smile. The mostly dark wood interior is typical of a grille or pub although everything was quite clean. There isn't too much bright light unless you're seated near a window which lends the space a cozy feel.

All in all, Casey's a was a fine place to have dinner. They offer almost anything you would want to eat from soup to dessert. The service is good, the interior cozy and most entrees include a vegetable and soup or salad which is nice for your wallet. It's not the most exotic fare around but definitely reliable. With this Casey, you'll never strike out.