Gosman's Clam Bar, Open-Air, Serve-Yourself
Written: Feb 25 '05 (Updated Mar 01 '05)
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Pros: Cheaper eats and quicker eating.
Cons: Can be hot, and doesn't offer the views of the other restaurants. No table service
The Bottom Line: For outside dining that will save time and dollars as compared to Gosman's other three restaurants, this is the place to go.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Gosman's Clam Bar |
I love going to Montauk Point and one place we always stop to eat is at Gosman's Dock. It's an area with restaurants and many small shops all tied together in a nautical theme with picturesque flower plantings in a small village type atmosphere. Shops with names like Captain Kids, Summer Stock, I love Montauk and the Irish Country Loft are just a few that make for a relaxed time while waiting for seating on a busy summer weekend. The Gosman's Fish Market that dominates one corner of the complex now deals more in fresh seafood salads, baked goods and farm produce rather than fresh fish off the boats.
Four Restaurants in One Place
There are actually four different Gosman's eateries. There's Gosman's Dock Restaurant, Gosman's Topside, Gosman's Inlet Cafe and Gosman's Clam Bar. They are all within feet of each other and all fine but they offer different dining experiences.
I have already reviewed the Dock Restaurant that offers finer dining in temperature controlled dining rooms having the most complete and diverse menu. In the review of the Topside I discussed the laid back atmosphere with good service and fine views. I hope to review the Inlet Cafe by spring. Their Sushi Bar is outstanding.
Serve Yourself
This review is all about Gosman's Clam Bar. Where the other three are sit down restaurants, this one is a get-it-yourself eatery that is in an open space between the Dock Restaurant and the Topside. It's a stretch of umbrella covered picnic tables open on a first come first served.
Actually you do the serving yourself. There's a window where you go up and place your orders, pay and then pick it up and bring it to your table. They are very organized and even if it seems there is a line, it moves quickly. We have only eaten there a couple of times in the last twenty years. We generally plan for the other restaurants. This place is good for a quick something to eat and saving some dollars too.
Menu
Everything is served in throw away plastic baskets and such. Here you will find cups of soup available featuring New England and Manhattan Clam Chowder. Their soups are good. Hey, they even include clams!
At the Clam Bar you will find a mix between fried foods like clams, scallops, and shrimp at price points of $4-$8 along with combination platters for a few bucks more. These come with fries and a little tartar sauce. It's all a pretty good value with decent sized portions but the kids won't be fulfilling their veggie quotas here. Hamburgers and hot dogs are also available for kids. Don't forget to try Gosman's Lobster Rolls.
If you like having lobster in that downeast type atmosphere this place can offer it to you too. You can buy steamers to add to the fun. I have never had the lobster there but have had it at their other restaurants. Most of these are from Long Island and I'm sure the taste of them is the same at the Clam Bar as it is at the Topside and Dock Restaurant. The only difference I can see is you are out in the elements and it's served in throw away service.
Drinks available are beer on tap, soft drinks, coffee, decaf, tea, iced coffee and iced tea. Everything is served in plastic.
Last Thoughts
Though this isn't my favorite kind of dining experience, I can recommend this place for those who have little time and/or money to spend in the other three Gosman's restaurants. It's also very kid friendly. It can be uncomfortable on extremely hot days if you can't quite get under one of those red white and blue umbrellas. When the wind kicks up it can be annoying too.
Having said that, I still feel it's a good value. Just being outside and eating fresh fish dishes in a nautical setting is wonderful too. Doing that somewhere in Montauk is a must. Gosman's isn't a bad choice. Try and get a table close to the water for a better overall view. The best part is that the food is very fresh and the atmosphere can be festive.
Montauk
Gosman's Dock Restaurant
Gosman's Topside Restaurant
Gosman's Clam Bar
The Harborside Motel In Montauk
State Parks in Montauk
Montauk Point State Park and National Lighthouse History, Fishing, Scenery, and quiet hikes.
Montauk Downs State Park Creature comforts and games
Camp Hero State Park A military base with secrets!
Hither Hills State Park Camping on the beach
Shadmore State Park It's Crude!
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Try and get a table near the inlet. Best Suited For: Kids and Families
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