I've been to Gosman's Restaurant many, many times over the years. It's hard not to have at least one dinner there while visiting the far east end of Long Island.

HISTORY

Gosman's has been a landmark in Montauk for over fifty years. The family started as fish merchants supplying NYC Fulton Fish Market. The Gosman's opened a small chowder stand selling lobster rolls. There happens to be a good amount of lobster fishing off the coast of this south fork of Long Island. The Gosman's purchased more and more land and the small chowder store opened up to what is now Gosman's Restaurants and Clam Bar. They actually have four different restaurants all with the Gosman name on the property along with many small stores, ice cream shops, and the fish market still exists though they have expanded to make itself a sort of take out deli station.

The other Gosman restaurants are The Topside, The Inlet Cafe, and the Clam Bar. I hope to be reviewing all of them within the next few weeks. They are in the database for anyone who would like to jump in and do a first review of them

All these restaurants and shops line a prime piece of land, at the head of the harbor, that is the home of Montauks mighty fishing fleet. One can wander along the docks and watch as commercial fisherman and pleasure craft come in after a day out at sea.

There happens to be a huge parking lot behind the restaurant but even it gets filled up on summer weekends. This is a very popular stop for locals, week-enders and day-trippers alike.

DECOR

This restaurant has had the same look for many years it has three sides with windows looking out to waterfront views. I try to get the north view. Later in the day you can catch beautiful colours of the sunset. The views over the east are fine too. Most people prefer the window seats. Further into the restaurant is an elevated area that help maintain the view for those diners, but it's not quite the same. The floors are wood as are the tables that do not have cloths but do have a small vase with fresh flowers. This place has a typical nautical look to it and does not offer anything especially noteable in decor.

SERVICE

Many workers are over from Europe and particularly Ireland during the busier summer months. They are friendly and helpful. There does seem to be a lapse in service between the front help and kitchen. It takes too long after ordering to get your food. Maybe this is the cause of the long lines that do form at dinner time in peak season. The restaurant uses a PA system to call names when there is a line. This is annoying to listen to if you happen to be seated in one of the limited outside tables. "Smiths, Party of six, your table is ready. Smiths party of six..." The restaurant is clean as are the rest rooms that are also well stocked.

MENU

As expected this restaurant specializes in seafood. Some of it come directly off the boats that come into the harbor. My wife and I have had a number of different selections over the years as our tastes have changed. My favorite was always the Shore Dinner. It comes with a Steamed 1 1/4 lb Lobster, Yellowtail Flounder, Baked Clam, with Corn on Cob and Boiled Potatoes at $26.95. Of course the obligatory lobster bib is worn and the feast begins. All is presented simply enough, nothing fancy and is cooked just fine too. I have been served overcooked corn of the cob.

Lobsters can be ordered individually or you can get some huge ones to share. The are Montauk Lobster. As a guy who goes to Maine often, I can't tell the difference between these and the ones we get from that colder water state.

These days I happen to be ordering Grilled Marinated Tuna Steak Marinated in Olive Oil, Basil, Fresh Herbs, Ginger, and Soy Sauce Served Medium with Parsley Boiled Potatoes at $22.95 or Cajun Fish Of the Day
Blackened with Cajun Spices, Served with Citrus Sauce and Parsley Boiled Potatoes $20.95 The tuna was cooked to perfection. I like mine fairly rare and they prepared it just right.

After ordering drinks a basket of rolls and crackers are brought to the table along with butter and substitute. We were waiting a while for our appetizer and did ask for more bread. No problem, it was brought right over with a smile.

Now that I'm giving this to you backwards I'll tell you that we ordered one appetizer to share. It was the Batter Dipped Fried Calamari With Zesty Marinara Sauce and Cilantro Ginger Sauce $7.95. It was a overdone so therefore a bit chewy and the batter was very thin. I have had much better.

Also on the appetizer list are Raw Bar offerings and Baked Clams, Clams Casino, New England Crab Cakes and even a Shrimp and Lobster Wrap in a flour tortilla. Steamers and Stuffed Portabella Mushroom can also be ordered. These go for $8-$11. The restaurant does a nice job cooking these items but are not all that adventuresome with new items and presentations are simply done. They are basic seafood restaurant and serve their fare the same way they have for years.

I did see a spinach salad go by that looked very nicely prepared and presented. The restaurant also serves soup by the cup or bowl featuring New England Clam Chowder, Manhattan Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque. There soups are excellent!

Other entre items are Flounder, Fluke, Shrimp Scampi and Soft Shell Crabs, all at $20-$23. A complete selection of fried foods including a Fisherman's Platter $18.99, Fried Scallops, $16.99 Butterfly Fantail Shrimp, $16.99 and Jumbo Clam Strips At $14.99. These are good value if you don't mind fried.

Steaks, Chops, and Prime Rib round out the entres. It's also good to know that the have a Children's Menu that features Chicken Nuggets in a Basket of French Fries at $8.95.

In all the years we have come to this place we have never had dessert inside. We usually opt for a leisurely walk through the little village of shops and pick up some hand dipped ice cream. There happens to be a Baskin Robbins a short walk away too. It is the only chain restaurant of any sort out in Montauk. I refuse to go to any chains that are located in vacation spots. I like to give my dollars to people selling local fare if possible.

The BAR

Sometimes I have a yearning for a Sweet Rob Roy that needs to be made just right. When ordering I am very specific and even suggest that I go to the bar and relay my instructions to the tender. This is one of the few things in life where I am picky and it's just this one kind of drink. So many times the waiter insists they will get the order correct only serve it to me wrong and I have to send it back. Here they do get my drink served to me with perfection.

They do have a fine selection of beer and their wine list is exceptional with a number of local Long Island wines and many selections from California, Italy, France, Australia and New Zealand. Most are moderately priced wines. There best here happens to be Dom Perignon Vintage 1993 at $175.00

CLOSING REMARKS

There are many other choices of restaurants in this area. Its the location of this place that draws us. It should be noted that they do close for the winter from mid-October till May. Call ahead for that information. They do not take reservations but do note larger groups coming in.



Montauk

The Harborside Motel In Montauk

Gosman's Dock Restaurant
Gosman's Topside Restaurant
Gosman's Clam Bar

The Lobster Roll, better known simply as "LUNCH"

Montauk Point State Park and 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!

Block Island A wonderful day trip from Montauk
The Maize Maze in Bridgehampton Family Fun!


Jones Beach State ParkOur treasure, just five minutes from home
Fire Island National Seashore and Lighthouse


Long Island So much to so many
















Recommended: Yes

Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations The Cajun specials are good and the Shore Dinner is very satisfying