Later that Wednesday evening, as the restaurant settled into a softer, more intimate glow, we opted…read morefor the main dining room rather than the rooftop. The hostess was warm and efficient, seating us immediately. Our server approached with the quiet confidence of someone who knows her craft--she was direct, professional, and all business in the best possible way. Even as closing time drew near, she kept my glass refreshed without needing to be asked, a small but telling detail that spoke volumes about her attentiveness.
The space itself strikes a pleasant semi-formal note--clean, polished, and respectful without veering into stuffy territory. Behind the bar, the bartender was meticulously wiping down every bottle, a quiet display of care that set a tone of genuine pride in the operation.
We began with a dozen oysters: six raw and six char-grilled. The raw specimens were on the petite side for the price, yet delivered a clean, bright, and pleasantly saline flavor that let the oyster speak for itself. The char-grilled version arrived with a savory Parmesan crust that brought its own appealing character--rich, cheesy, and nicely caramelized in a way that felt unique rather than derivative.
The crab dip, however, was a standout. Far superior to the often disappointing versions we've encountered elsewhere, this one tasted of genuine lump crab meat, folded into a properly cheesy, indulgent dip that avoided any unfortunate "buffalo" detours. Served with crisp crostini, each bite was balanced and deeply satisfying--an authentic crab dip done right.
The Korean cheesesteak offered an excellent harmony of flavors: tender, well-seasoned meat beneath a luxurious blanket of melted cheese, punctuated by the bright, spicy kick of kimchi and the refreshing snap of pickles. It was delicious, though for the price, I wished for a more generous filling and a bit more heft to the sandwich overall.
The mac & cheese arrived in a commendably generous portion, with a beautiful Parmesan crust on top. Visually appealing, the dish unfortunately fell a touch flat on the palate. The noodles were properly cooked and coated in a creamy sauce, yet it lacked the depth and seasoning one hopes for-- a pinch more salt and pepper would have elevated it considerably.
The fish and chips presented a towering mound of fries that carried decent flavor but lacked the shattering crispness one craves. The real disappointment lay in the presentation of the fish: two fillets stacked atop one another, causing the steaming heat to turn the once-promising breading soggy and prone to sliding off. That said, the fish itself was excellent--flaky, moist, and delicately sweet with a lovely buttery quality. It was the unfortunate interaction between steam and crust that kept the dish from greatness.
The roads were a little dense, so not necessarily my particular style, but I'm good. The butter that came with them was very unique to say the least.
To drink, both beers arrived filled to the absolute brim and proved so enjoyable that I would gladly order them again without hesitation.
Overall, the evening delivered solid, thoughtful plates in a well-run environment, with several bright spots that make a return visit tempting--particularly for those oysters and that excellent crab dip.
