Maine Black Bear

It was a delicious surprise in a funky, local, low-key environment. I called ahead, had  a laid-back guy (the owner) on the phone assuring me the kitchen would be open past the official serving time, so I made a reservation. BYOB! We arrived and the owner himself was reading out loud what they had on the menu that night (only open on Saturdays!). We ordered 3 of the dishes: sole, tuna, shrimp-clam-linguine or such.. everything super delicious!!! Fresh and wonderful! Not to forget the dessert! Unique and gracious. I didn't check the restrooms so that one star is missing just for that ;). A place to recommend - and don't be scared of the non-glamourous appearance of the place...

I can only underline what the reviewer before me wrote; appearances can be deceiving-what looks like a funky worn beach type seafood shack turns out to be not only a great source for fresh--I mean really fresh-seafood but also turns out to be a great hang for dinner on Saturday night.  

Lobster, salmon, swordfish, scallops, shrimp, tuna are all fresh from the sea-Bruce picks up his seafood each Thursday fresh from Maine and everything else from salad to sides to dessert are now local sourced and organic, right down to the garlic and butter.  Service is relaxed, casual and delicious. The outdoor deck has a great vibe on a warm evening with diners of all stripes talking back and forth--hard not to be friendly and meet new people at the Maine Black bear.  

Last weekend my wife had the lobster--steamed to perfection and delicious with local bread and dipping butter. I had the shrimp fettucine, which was delicious and tasted of fresh garlic.  We couldn't get enough. Dessert was fresh Blueberry and Cream gelato from Crazy Acres farm just down the road.

There's nothing else in the region that we've found to match the casual funk combined with great fresh seafood and local salads, sides and dessert.  Bring your own beer, wine or choice of drink...Our advice is to call ahead and make your reservations as Bruce only orders limited amounts of seafood each week and once he runs out he runs out.

This place is one of a kind. Imagine a Maine fish shack dropped into the middle of the Catskill Mountains, with a slightly funky and laid back outlook, fresh seafood, both retail and for a sit down meal, and you can start to appreciate Maine Black Bear.

Founded over 25 years ago by Bruce, the funny and sometimes grumpy owner, who treks every Thursday to meet his seafood suppliers up towards Maine. He returns with magnificent lobster, salmon, swordfish, scallops, shrimp, clams, tuna, and whatever else is fresh. You can drop by the front of the shop from Thursday until he runs out on Sunday (sell 'em or smell 'em). When you walk in, tell Bruce a joke, and he'll like you.

But the real fun is dining al fresco on a warm night on the outdoor deck in the back. It's usually a party atmosphere with a combination of Bruce's friends, locals, and some City slicker second home owners.  Lots of kitschy stuff all over the deck, lawn and front of the shop--lobster traps, Xmas lights, brickabrack.

Local art is sold in the front (not far from the fish counter).

The restaurant is run by two women who have partnered with Bruce and the food is excellent--all seafood supplied from the store out front. Great steamed lobster with vegetables, terrific shrimp scampi, and other fish entrees. The mixed field green salad with Gorgonzola and beets is wonderful. The bouillabaisse is highly recommended.

Locally baked bread and fresh butter are a great way to start the meal.

The best chocolate mousse with whipped cream for dessert is not too sweet, and deeply chocolaty.

There are about 8 tables inside for inclement weather and 3 large and one small table outside. Make a reservation.

Very casual, fun, good food, and reasonable prices for seafood--especially because you can bring your own booze.