Bar Crudo has been on my “go to” restaurant list for a few years now and I finally snagged a reservation.

The restaurant itself is quite small and apparently it gets pretty crazy during happy hour and for good reason. While I didn’t dine during happy hour (5-6:30pm), their $1 oysters and other deals are worth waiting in line. The menu is simple offering fresh no frills seafood.

Drake’s Bay Oysters, Shigoku Oysters, Miyagi Oysters, Kusshi Oysters, and Littleneck Clams (8/10).

All four types of oysters were delicious; crisp, clean, and slightly creamy. The littleneck clams were also delicious with a slightly buttery flavor and texture. Supposedly their jalapeño and herb marinated mussels are amazing but they ran out due to a crazy happy hour before.

Crudo Sampler: Scallop with Soubise and Kumquat (8/10), Butterfish with Cucumber and Chili (8/10), Marinated Tombo Tuna with Chili and Tobiko (8/10), and Arctic Char with Horseradish Crème Fraîche and Wasabi Tobiko (8/10).

All four types of crudo were actually really tasty. While the presentation could have been better, the flavors and freshness of the fish were on point. All the fish melted in my mouth and had a buttery luscious texture where each was appropriately garnished which only complimented and enhanced the seafood.

Seafood Chowder (8/10).

I love clam chowder so I knew I had to try their seafood chowder with fish, mussels, squid, and shrimp. The broth was creamy yet delicate with velvety potatoes and meaty pieces of bacon. Simple but so good.

Roasted Crab with Espelette Butter and Shallots (8/10).

If you don’t like getting messy, definitely don’t order this. However, the roasted crab was freakin’ bomb with the slightly spicy espelette butter sauce with soft shallots and scallions. While it took awhile to pick out the crab meat, it was totally worth it.

I was pleasantly surprised on how all the seafood was really tasty even though presentation wasn’t the best. Overall, my rating is an 8/10.