A playful new beach bar just opened in Montauk.
From the team behind Mavericks Montauk, Vanessa Price and James Beard-nominated chef Jeremy Blutstein, Shark Bar now offers vintage-inspired frozen cocktails plus oceanic fare like a local fish sandwich, lobster fried rice and more. The aesthetic is camp, in all sense of the word, created as an indoor and outdoor space to hangout after days spent in the sand.
“For the name, we wanted something that felt like it aligned with the really special vintage nostalgia on the stretch, alongside iconic spots like Clam Bar, and Lunch, and also something that brought a smile to people’s faces and didn’t feel like it was taking itself too seriously,” says managing partner Vanessa Price. “Mavericks, our flagship restaurant, is on the finer side of the dining-out world and we wanted to create something for Montauk that was the opposite bookend to that and a more casual daytime spot.”
Located at the former Cyril’s Fish House at 2167 Montauk Highway, Shark bar is decorated with surf memorabilia and fun artwork. “There’s a lot of kitsch in the details, and we hope the aesthetic makes people feel happy to just be there,” says Price. “It’s a contemporary dive meets seaside surf shack with the twist of tiki, including the refreshing oddities that made Cyril’s so beloved for so many years.”
Chef Blutstein’s menu is inspired by surfside shack classics, with a contemporary spin. The fast and fresh concept includes Crispy Calamari Salad with Fermented Carrot Ginger and Napa Cabbage; Fried Oysters with Tomatillo Chow Chow; Vietnamese Cucumber Salad with Chilies, Coriander, and Peanuts; Steamed Littleneck Clams Michelado; Fish Sammie with Trout Roe Tartar; Merguez Chicago Dog with the Usual Suspects; Shark Shack Burger with Spicy Pickles, Smoked Cheddar and Special Sauce; and Grilled Royal Red Shrimp with Red Quinoa and Tabbouleh.
“I don’t know another place that is doing casual daytime fair with the level of high source ingredients and in-house homemade philosophy that we are, especially at that price point in the Hamptons,” says Price. “It’s going to be my own go-to lunch spot for the summer. Our hope is that you can enjoy yourself salty and sunburnt fresh off the beach with us at Shark Bar during the day and then head over to Mavericks after your revitalizing shower with that beautiful now-suntan shining through and fresh linens at night.”
To drink, the beverage menu stars frozen cocktails like a BBC with Reposado Tequila, Don Q Cristal Rum, Shankys Toffee, Lucano Café, Banana, Five Farms Irish Cream and Coco Lopez and a Frozen Spicy Watermelon Margarita as well as vintage-inspired cocktails such as the takes on a Cucumber Gin Collins; Pineapple Mezcalita, Jungle Bird and more. Easy drinking wines by the bottle and glass plis local craft beers and some American classic brew are also available.
“The drinks are visually pleasing and a delight to drink,” says Price.
Shark Bar has a 150 person capacity, including 62 seats, both communal and more separate, to encourage socializing, mingling, and who knows what else can happen on a warm summer night in Montauk.
Shark Bar is open Thursday-Monday, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Read the full article here