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| - GOOD FOOD, GOOD VALUE, BUMPIN' SCENE...Bartending less so.
I try not to write reviews on single visits to be balanced and fair. Last night was my fifth visit and I just can't get this place over 3 stars, average.
The GOOD: food is reasonably priced and the menu and decor definitely reminds me of Montauk (small part of Long Island, a.k.a. The Hampdens where Manhattanites flee the summer heat). The FISH TACOS have very clean flavor and very fresh fish but simply do not meet "cravable" status like Coconuts. I think this because the slaw they are using is standard fare with no unique style. The kitchen is great at adjusting to requests so maybe they will turn it up. Other reviewers are chatting up the CAULIFLOWER FRIED RICE. I agree, this is pleasantly flavorful. I recommend getting it with lobster chunks as the dish is already slightly dry on the palate and white meat chicken enhances that negative. A touch of an infused olive oil tossed in at the end would go a long way toward improving this one but still kudos for the creativity. The LOBSTER ROLL (HOT) is a hit. There is a place in Manhattan, called Mary's Fish Camp, that gets all kinds of positive press. This dish could seamlessly jump on the menu and hold its own.
On one occasion (last night) the service was particularly chaotic and completely malfunctioned when a bachelorette party landed with their dick straws and selfie sticks. The Manager came over after we had a series of post-meal drink misfires and chopped our $300 bill in half. I would have settled for a round on the house but the Manager is clearly tuned for keeping this place in a good light. I don't know if he recognized us as returning customers or this is his policy but that level of Manager awareness and remedy is very commendable.
Circling back to the scene, there is a solidly fun vibe to this beach house-style decor. The DJ seems to never stop and plays a great spread of tracks. The upper deck couches are fun and comfortable and the table booths are equally set up to enjoy dinner while still being inside the buzz. I would kick this whole review up a star if the house would grasp the concept that even Friday's understands...as the crowd grows, the music should NOT. At risk of echoing the comments of other reviewers and sounding twenty years older, the scene is best early, ahead of the place reaching 50% capacity. Look, we all like to feel the thump of base in our chests and rhythm in our feet but not at the expense of yelling at the persons we came with standing the length of a soda straw away. I could get the same effect and a lower bar bill by just hanging at the bar, putting my friends on FaceTime then asking them to hit mute on their end.
THE MEDIOCRE: Service is organizationally novice but the staff is incredibly upbeat and friendly, clearly trying with great intent. Super friendly, just unskilled. Plus, there are a number of menu misses. Every version of their French fries are unimpressive. Not bad per say, just unimaginative. Buffalo-style anything is a nod to drunk frat boys blowing their money for the night on over priced drinks but realizing they gotta eat. And putting that same Franks Red Hot sauce on potato chips is equally a miss. The Mac-and-Cheese falls short of getting any attention. In fact I had to rebook at the bill to even remember we ordered it.
THE BAD: I have already crossed the noise level discussion. The drinks are weak and even for Old Town, priced too high. If you are going to charge $15 for Hendrick's , St. Germaine and soda then make it in a clean glass, make it constantly each time I order it consecutively and actually use Hendrick's. These bartenders are routinely scrambling and I imagine they are getting very lucky that most guests are ordering drinks they only have to cork and pour, not mix. I would only add, get rid of the bathroom attendant. It a relic concept that is simply creepy weird.
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