Mary’s Fish Camp has been around for almost 20 years – and with good reason. This charming restaurant sits on a perfect meet cute corner in the West Village, one of the quaintest neighborhoods in New York City. What keeps the crowds coming back, weekend after weekend is Mary’s food. Mary’s is hands down the best lobster roll in the city, and on top of that, one of the best seafood restaurants in NYC. You can’t make Mary’s Fish Camp reservations in advance, so be prepared wait your turn. (Which is not New York at all). However, we can attest, as can all the regulars, that it will be worth it.
A Tip to Beat the Crowds
If waiting in line isn’t your thing, lunch and dinner during the week are a bit more civilized. As we mentioned, you’re not missing the link for Mary’s Fish Camp reservations on Resy, because they don’t take them. So the weekends are a bit of a zoo, that is, unless you get there early enough to beat the traffic. But luckily lobster rolls taste just as good on a Tuesday afternoon.
The Atmosphere
Beachside vibes, laid-back summer feel, and generally casual setting. You step in, and you’re in restaurant founder Mary Redding’s Florida childhood. Tables are simple, like what you’d find at a local seafood shack on the shore. If you’re dropping in solo, there’s a simple bar to grab a bite and to watch the action of the open kitchen. Because there’s always a line out the door, you come to Mary’s to gorge yourself, then promptly make room for the next group.
Nothing Says Summer Like a Lobster Roll
Mary’s Fish camp is an oldie, but a goodie. It’s been around for almost 20 years, and there’s a reason. Especially now: nothing says summer like an overflowing lobster roll, which is Mary’s Fish Camp’s specialty. There is something comfortingly nostalgic about the simplicity of eating classic seashore food during the summertime that’s fresh enough to think it still has dinner plans. And on top of that, being in the West Village, one of the quaintest neighborhoods in New York City. So while there are no Mary’s Fish camp reservations, the full experience of food and the West Village locale, is well worth the wait.
The Food
The menu doesn’t stop at lobster rolls though. There are hidden gems, like the fried clams, for example, which are the big, juicy clam-belly type. The portions though are child-size, so it’s better to order two of everything.
We also recommend the gulf shrimp, which you actually eat, shells and all. It sounds weird, but it’s delicious if you’re game. And, you’ll love the Atlantic cod sandwich. It might be the crisp French bread, the cod seasoning, or the fresh cod itself, but it’ll rock your world.
Everything should be accompanied by the Mary’s Fish Camp French fries, which come out in a huge mount that you will love dowsing in vinegar. Round off your meal with a throw back dessert such as a hot fudge sundae or steamed lemon pudding with whipped cream.
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