The Cove Cocktail & Oyster Bar

The Cove Cocktail & Oyster Bar Restaurant Review:

A long boat-shaped wooden bar, complete with cotton sails and rope jutting from the wall, evokes the bow of a pirate ship. Sea-faring scenes adorn murals on the walls, and vintage colored glass light fixtures add an air of retro kitsch. Oysters on the half shell are the main attraction, and they come Casino-style (cooked with bacon and sherry) or Rockefeller-style (topped with fresh spinach scented with herbsaint and Parmesan). Avoiding seafood? Pizzas with inventive toppings, such as the Binghampton (horseradish cream and spicy Italian beef) or the T’s Shrimp Pizza (red sauce, shrimp, cheese, pesto), provide alternatives. The classic Mermaid Salad (a wedge salad with blue cheese dressing) seems a fitting choice to match the bar’s décor. For an appetizer, the Syrian-style hummus is not to be missed. The limited wine selection offers a few moderately priced labels, but the Cove is known for its inventive cocktails, such as a traditional New Orleans Sazerac or Pimm’s Cup. And the Vampire (a Bloody Maria served with sriracha hot sauce and balsamic vinegar) might have you sweating in your seat. For dessert, we suggest the blonde butter brownie.