Mary's Fish Camp

I've been a fan of Mary's for quite some time now. Just my kind of restaurant, really; a casual fish-shack-like atmosphere that can transport you from the west village of Manhattan to Manhattan Beach, CA in the blink of an eye. On a particularly dismal and rainy recent Friday afternoon, my boyfriend cheered me with an invitation to lunch at Mary's Fish Camp. I hadn't been all winter long; the light fare seems summery to me. But with the magnolia trees already in bloom, it seemed time to return to my favorite Fish Camp. When I arrived, I was horrified, almost to the point of tears, that my favorite calamari had been taken off of the menu. The waitress shrugged unsympathetically, snapping that the menu changes seasonally. My boyfriend rolled his eyes at me, knowing how I bristle at change, and ordered the new appetizer Jonah Crab au Gratin and the classic Lobster Roll (admittedly, also a favorite of mine). The crab gratin arrived, and although he raved and savored every bite, the dish reminded me sickeningly of a hot tuna salad, complete with warm mayonnaise. If you like that kind of thing, though.. The lobster roll was as delicious as ever, although the portion was appreciably smaller than to what we are accustomed at Mary's. No big deal, I guess, although for a $70 lunch (the crab, the lobster roll, and two glasses of champagne), I might usually expect to leave feeling a little bit more sated. Yes, I will go back, but Mary's has dropped a notch or two in my book, both in deliciousness and in friendliness. I'm hoping that my next visit proves up to the standard I have been used to at Mary's for so long.

Waiting in line for a table here is definitely a pain...but once you taste their incredible lobster roll you'll happily do it again and again. We've recently discovered Brooklyn Fish Camp in the Slope and it is just as good without the line!

I notice a few sour notes in the reviews. As I always order the same thing at lunch--the quite satisfying lobster roll--i really can't address many of the issues raised below. I have to say that have found the waitstaff to be professional and friendly, even if the place is usually so crowded that the staff doesn't have time to blather. They do keep the water and iced tea glasses full without having to be asked--and I much appreciate that. As for the aformentioned lobster roll, it is every bit as good asthe ones at Pearl's and Mermaid Inn, and as good as any I have had on the Cape. It is a cosmos away from the pathetic version at BLT Fish. The fries are cooked to perfection, so I always leave a happy, if heavier, camper. It is true, noise can be something of an issue, but no biggie.

Average food...stuffy env't....not worth the trip. I ordered the scallops.....it was a $20 dish and came with only 3 scallops!

This place is wonderful. It makes me doubt MenuPages when I see a 3 rating for food. I guess expectations are too high. When you are sitting elbow to elbow at a local fish shack, one should not expect to rival Le Bernardin. The idea here is one of simplicity. If you are uptight, don't bother coming. The place is very cramped and the waitstaff is looking to turn over the tables. However, if you want to have a couple of beers and a great lobster roll, whole fish, chowder or stew, then come visit. They don't allow cellphone use in the restaurant, but what self respecting individual would answer a call at the dinner table anyway. Try Fish down on Bleeker if this place seems too cramped. They are not quite as busy, but they are not quite as good either.

The food was great...especially the Spicy Calamari. Better get there early because they don't take reservations and a line forms real fast. Oh and alittle side note....keep your cell phones turned off because I was rudely told that there was no cell phone use in the restaurant. The service was too full of themselves, it is great food but it isn't the end all and be all of seafood restaurants.

Talk about a diamond in the ruff! Such a quaint restaurant! People come based on word of mouth because they have such excellent experiences! It's almost like a diner for fish! The waitresses are all knowledgable about the fish and wine selections. Sitting at the bar is exciting as you get to watch the kitchen staff put all the meals together. Get there early though. If you arrive past 6pm, you'll have to wait in line - but it is well worth the wait. Since they don't take reservations, they call you when your table is ready so that you don't have to wait outside.