The area around Union Square park that boasts clubs, breweries, and restaurants is hopping with locals and the shirt & tie set letting loose on Friday and Saturday nights. Once the sun goes down the "buzz" can be felt as the street activity builds and these local places have lines out the doors.

Seafood Restaurant

I went to this restaurant recently after set up of a gig at the W Hotel a block away. The City Crab and Seafood Company is one of those restaurants and though a bit worn and dated compared to the slick standards of many of today's newer establishments it continues to do business after 15 years. The City Crab and Seafood Company puts out a different menu everyday with the date and day stamped in the corner. I like that "current" feel. Though the basics are always there I am told the chef does mix it up a bit each day. This restaurant has been around since 1993. By its name one should understand that little else but crab, lobster and seafood is on the menu. If one checks the bottom right corner they would spy three entrees of steaks and one of chicken. The other 60 offerings are fish and Crustaceans of some kind.

The restaurant with a nautical theme running through a busy and rather noisy two levels is dark in atmosphere with high ceilings and a multitude of stations that break up the first level. This includes the front door bar that is comfortable and offers six or seven tap beers that went for about seven bucks. The tender was polite and business like. Also on this level was Raw Bar and a small Sushi bar.

The high top tables that were spread around the rest of the floor looked a bit uncomfortable to me but there were a few regular sized tables on this level. Upstairs, that was actually two tiered with an extra step up to part of it, was quieter but also lacked any intimacy. It seemed to be able to accommodate larger groups. That said, this place is more for raising a few glasses and enjoying some food and company rather than being a romantic room.

Sushi and Raw bar

We settled at the Sushi bar and tried a few of the Maki and Nigiri offerings. I was with a couple of fellows and we shared a few items. The Spicy Tuna roll was excellent as was the Spicy shrimp roll. The Lobster California roll was overpriced and not at all enhanced with a sweet taste of the lobster.

We shared an order of hamachi Yellow Tail that was heaven. I had most of the BBQ Eel as the other guys didn't like it but it too was excellent to me.

While there one of the guys ordered Oyster Sampler (12 assorted at $24.00) that had a couple of Long Island entrees and also from Washington State. Ha, I liked the Long Island Oysters. The Long Island Little Neck Clams paled in comparison to the Oysters. Man they were good, but the price can add up quickly.

Service here was quite friendly and lively conversation was held between the wait staff and the guys.

Full Fish Menu

We didn't have any of the many other fish offerings on the menu with sixteen or so appetizers including coconut shrimp, Oysters Rockefeller, Lobster mac and cheese, Maryland Crab cakes, Cajun popcorn shrimp, and a last offering on that menu of crab and gulf shrimp with artichoke dip.

I did spy the regular menu with all it's Chowders, Gumbo and Crab soups. The same for all their entrees. I suppose i would have to try their City's Seafood Platter ($32.95 next time I come. I saw that one pass by and it smelled great. The portion wasn't all that huge though. At that price i think I would have expected more especially that it does not include and lobster.

They had quite a few combo dinners including Alaskan Surf and Turf, Gulf Shrimp and Turf, Surf and Turf, and Surf and Surf. The turf in all cases was an 8 oz. Filet Mignon. The "Surfs" were Alaskan king crab legs, jumbo gulf shrimp and Australia Lobster Tail. Where was the Maine Lobster? You could get some that I saw getting 'last rights' in the lobster tank at the entrance door. Plan on $29.95 per pound. If going that far pay another $7 and get mussels, clams, corn on the cob and steamed new potatoes to complete the dinner.

All side were served family style. I thought they looked to be a good value. None of the dishes I saw were presented with any flair. Basic seafood plates, that's that.

Finish

I would return to this place because I did have a good time that evening. I'm one for trying just about anything and this place offered a varied selection. The beer was cold, the food good and the conversation lively. Though i had a little trouble hearing the others because of the constant sounds of voices, I also felt very comfortable and relaxed in this place. Not Great but Not Bad.


Heartland Brewery Just across from Union Square
Gotham Bar and Grill EXCELLENT!! A short few block walk to this fine eatery from the park.

W Hotel NY 17th and Union Square



Recommended: Yes