Bay 839

We popped into this place for lunch at 3pm.  It was, like others have stated, quite dead.  When we sat down, we were one of the only sets of customers in the building.  it was a nice day, so there were a few outside on the deck. We had soda to drink and the chicken wrap with fries and the gyro with fries.  The food was good; the service was decent.

Perplexing. So many good/great reviews, and so many weak ones. Even the bad reviews say SOME of the food was delicious. We've had great dinners here twice, and nearby tables said their food was v. good too. So whassup??

I'm guessing an inconsistent kitchen is the culprit. The menu is long, too long. Is this a Tapas place, or an upmarket seafood place, or a fries/burgers/sandwich place, or an apps and drinks place, pizza, or?? I dunno. But something's going on. Both times we've had our choice of tables (beautiful, waterfront) when other Newport places were full. So people are voting with their feet - a bad sign.

The semi-open kitchen is (intentionally) part of the ambiance. You can hear them - cowboying cooks, high energy/a little rowdy, probly a little uneven. Once we heard some confusion between waitress and cook over our order, and were surprised by a visit from the cook himself to our table. Fun though, if you just go with it.

So maybe we were lucky, though we were careful in ordering. But we had two great dinners here, friendly service, and a table with a million dollar view of the harbor. After a long day on the ocean, it was perfect. We had the cajun shrimp linguini (big portion, very good), fish & chips (one big slab, very fresh, breaded instead of battered, so good we had it both times) and fish in chili paste (more hot than flavorful, our only unsuccessful dish).

Prices are reasonable, almost low depending on what you order.  I'd love to see this place succeed, strip down the menu and do a few things dependably, even remarkably well. Until then, ask for recommendations, order carefully, and enjoy the wonderful view. At least they can't screw THAT up!

Great infused liquors and they make great cocktails. Don't order the smoked salmon pate... it was once amazingly delicious now it is an epic disappointment. Overall good food.