Enjoyed a late lunch at the Anchor Down, a really cute nautical place by (not on) the water. I had the oyster po'boy. It was good, but a little skimpy with the oysters. I think there were three, maybe four. I'm not one with a huge appetite. If I noticed, then it must have been skimpy. My landlubber husband had the Anchor Down hot dog which he said was really good, better than CitiField. They have a special going on: 1 1/4 lobster for $20. I think we'll go back for that.
(4)
Joe M.
I dined here recently and thought the meal was just OK. Ordered the crab cake, flounder Francese and my girlfriend had the Lobster Bisque and Tuna. For a seafood restaurant, I thought there would be more seafood options, but there wasn't. In addition, I thought the prices were a little steep. I've eaten at fine seafood restaurants both in Manhattan and other cities, such as Vegas, Chicago, etc and I am more than willing to pay for good food, let alone seafood, but I just didn't think the food was worth the price at Anchor Down. I may give it another shot during the summer months to see if their menu changes, but I'm not sure it would be my first choice on the list.
(3)
Corey C.
The Chef here puts out some of the best dishes I've had in years. Some are unique (Chilled Watermelon, Roasted Corn & Feta salad), others are timeless classics; such as the most delicate Lobster Bisque with an incredible depth of flavor that I've ever had. The Crab Cake was the best I've had on Long Island in years; and I am a Crab Cake snob! Other points of interest on the menu were the Mussels which we enjoyed very much, and pretty much any dish that we observed during our stay looked well put-together and delicious! The place is a bit claustrophobic at first when you walk in due to the low ceilings, and the outdoor patio area is also a bit tight as you are fully surrounded by a wooden fence to hide the surrounding boat yard; but do not let this deter you from the real reason we all venture out to eat, which is the food!!! Enjoy!
(5)
S P.
Stopped by on the way back from Robert Moses beach. This one is more close to Jone Beach though. Nice laid back restaurant by a marina. They sat us indoors which we didn't mind after an afternoon at the beach. But they gave a small outdoor sitting area too. we had a light dinner - but was very satisfying. I ordered shrimp po-boy, which seemed like a must-try. My wife had lobster roll, which we both enjoyed as well. Sandwiches come with fries that are quit delicious, seemed to be seasoned with Old Bay. Seems like this would be our de-facto seafood stop whenever we visit a long island beach. Additionally, they are open all year long, not just the summer.
(5)
Brooke S.
Remarkable food!! Excellent service!! Very cozy and quaint seafood restaurant. The lobster roll and key lime pie were the best I've ever had. There wasn't anything that I didn't enjoy about my experience last night. I will be recommending this spot to everyone that I know:)
(5)
Nick K.
Family and I were in the area looking for a place to eat, I turned on my yelp app, saw anchor down, read all the great reviews, told my wife looks kid friendly let's try it etc. Best experience over all , don't want bore reviewers with long reviews, but it's a MUST TRY THIS.. Keep up the good work will be back soon..
(5)
Figgy P.
Excellent - Excellent- Excellent! What a wonderful find in Merrick. This place is a small, intimate, warm and inviting Resturant that serves fantastic food with fantastic service. Our server Zach was friendly and very informed about the menu and preparations of every dish. His service was professional and attentive. The food was super good. We has scallops, salmon, shrimp and swordfish between the four of us. Each dish was prepared with care and creativity. Each dish better than the other. A must visit if you are on the South Shore. Worth the trip from wherever you are! Bravo!
(5)
KayVee W.
Cons: Arrived at 5:45 without reservations today and was seated by a very sweet hostess immediately. Water served right away followed by our terrific waiter Steve who took our drink order after explaining specials. Warm bread and herbal butter followed along with delicious drinks. Baked clams and New England clam chowder were so tasty! Ordered a Cesar salad in place of the kale salad and it was just ok, might try the kale next time. I chose the swordfish special which was grilled to perfection and hubby inhaled the house burger. Will definitely be back again! Con: the older couple that was seated after us (we dined outside) decided to complain 5 minutes after they sat their grumpy asses down that "nobody was paying attention to them" and proceeded to vent ignorantly across the patio to another couple about how they "were there Saturday and it took a whole hour for their meal" - I truly bit my tongue from giving them a Bronx cheer but made sure to tell the poor waitress who got stuck dealing with these 2 idiots who "live around the cawna" that the meal and staff were awesome. Next time no tongue biting -the snobs will be put in check! Give this place a try, you won't be dissatisfied, we will be back!
(5)
Carol S.
I've become a regular customer since my last year's review of Anchor Down and want to say that it has been consistently delicious, innovative and just a very charming, fun place to dine. We try to go on the early side as they do get crowded and it is a small, cozy place. Friendly atmosphere and an attentive staff make this my number one go to restaurant. The Chef goes out of his way to make things right. He can go off menu, accommodate even the pickiest of eaters, as well as restrictive diets, and will bend over backwards to try and make every dining experience a tasty treat for all. Weekends are hopping and with live music so if you don't like crowds or a lively group then try weekdays or off-hours, but don't miss out on this hidden neighborhood gem. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Lauren C.
Love, love, love this place! SUNDAY FUN DAYS, romantic dinner for two, new years eve, mid day snack or Parents Day (mom, dad and stepparents too) food is always fresh and amazing. Best raw seafood ice cold and perfect! Crab cakes, fish, steak, baked clams, calamari and drinks! Cozy atmosphere friendly staff and love the that owner/chef knows your name. So happy it's close enough we can ride our bike!
(5)
T S.
One of the finest restaurants I've ever had the pleasure of dining at. Quaint, charming and the food is fantastic! The owner and head chef, Steve often can be seen checking on diners to ensure they are completely happy with their meal. Live entertainment on weekends, outdoor dining (weather permitting) Looking for good food and a good time, you've gotta try the Anchor. Don't forget to try the famous special "Lobster Tracey". Fresh oysters and home made soups are a must!
(5)
Shari R.
This restaurant has a very cute nautical theme. I came here for lunch mid week and it was a nice relaxed atmosphere. The music was slightly loud but we asked the owner to lower the volume and he was happy to oblige. I was thoroughly impressed with the lobster bisque. It was very creamy and had generous portions of lobster in it! I also enjoyed a tasty shrimp po-boy sandwich. I was happy with the service and food. Highly recommend it!
(5)
Christina G.
I was in the area recently and stopped in to Anchor Down on a recommendation from a friend. I'm so glad I did because the experience was absolutely fantastic on all fronts. I was fortunate enough to be with enough people that I could really get a nice sampling of the menu. To start we had some soups -- Clam chowder, Lobster Bisque, and French Onion. All were delicious, but the seafood ones really stood out. Both had a lot of flavor and plenty of fresh bits of seafood throughout. I appreciated how well balanced they were; perfectly rich and creamy, but somehow there was still a lightness to them. We split the Kale Caesar as well, and an assortment of raw Oysters. Perfection! For entrees we had the Yellow Fin Tuna and two specials -- A Maine Lobster and Sliced Filet Mignon dish. The most unique of the three was the Tuna. I loved that it was paired with Szechwan Green Beans and the Chinese 5-spice Crust was such a pleasant surprise to the taste buds, especially if you are not accustomed to that type of flavor profile. It worked wonderfully with the Tuna. The Lobster was for me the most memorable. It was cooked beautifully with butter, lemon and breadcrumbs. Each bite felt more sinful than the last! The Steak was the most classic of the three and just as amazing. It was perfectly seasoned and incredibly tender. Another key takeaway in terms of the food was how wonderfully fresh everything tasted and also that balance I mentioned earlier. Each dish was so well balanced that I never felt weighed down by a particular thing. I really appreciated that quality in all of these dishes. The restaurant itself is clean and beautiful. Service was excellent and Chef Stephen even made an appearance at our table to see how our meal was and chat for a bit. That's always something I love to see at a restaurant. You can tell a lot of hard work and love went into this place, which makes it all the better! There is not a single bad thing I can say about the food or my experience at Anchor Down. My meal here was one of the best I'd had in a while. Chef Stephen is truly talented and excellent at what he does. Anchor Down is a fantastic addition to the area and I cannot wait to come back in the summer months to enjoy some fresh seafood al fresco!
(5)
Yolanda H.
I was looking for a local seafood restaurant for Father's Day and found this restaurant in my backyard. The staff and food was great. It was an intimate feel and family friendly. I will definitely will return.
I went there with my wife on Thursday night. Right when we walked we greeted with a smiling face. We were seated immediately and our waitress quickly came over and Introduced herself. My wife and I are usually against small talk but our waitress was so down to earth and warm that we just couldn't help ourselves to chat with her. Now as far as the food? Let me tell you something ,, we couldn't have been happier. I usually like to order a lot of appetizers just to taste everything and boy am I glad we did. We literally ate everything. The lobster bisque (which we shared) was so creamy and delicious. The oysters were top notch. The Portobello French fries with the Thai chile sauce were so addicting. The jumbo lump crab cake which I normally do not like was delicious especially with the garnish they put with it. And to close out our appetizer order we got the Burrata (which was a special) was the creamiest most delicious cheese I have ever had.. For dinner I ordered the Yellow Fin Tuna and my wife had the Shrimp with the Zucchini pasta. Both were delicious.. I recommend this place to anyone who enjoys quality food. Also don't forget to have a Caba champagne (not sure if I'm saying that right) with your meal. Awesome.
(5)
Paula Jean K.
This is a small restaurant that recently underwent a complete make-over. It's really quite lovely inside. It's divided into 2 sections: on the right hand side is the dining room and on the left hand side is the bar and a few two-tops. We opted to sit at the bar. As it was only 1800 when we arrived on a Friday night, the stools were mostly occupied by locals and fisherman, But when we left at 2000, the dining room was full with folks standing around waiting for a table. And the bar was taken over by a younger crowd. We planned to only check it out and have a couple of beers, but I watched the bartender make a Bloody Mary which he topped with beer, and I was sold! BTW, he was great this bartender was! He was fast, never left our glass empty and was personable too. My only gripe is that a blackboard special of steamers was very small and there were only about a dozen of them. When I got the bill and realized they charged me 17USD for them, I got steamed! I know thery're hard to find, I get it, but that was ridiculous! There are other popular seafood restaurants on the island that give you a propper bucket of steammers for 10USD-12USD. (I just did some YEsearch on the matter) But, it is, after all, my fault since the price wasn't on the black board, so I should have asked. It's very comfortable and laid back here. I I'll be back!
(4)
Randi H.
Went to anchor the other night for dinner, excellent ! Started with steamers and a bowl of soup which were delicious and both had lobster rolls for dinner which were excellent ! Will be back again :) staff was very nice and helpful
(5)
Lesa S.
Fresh Seafood, steak, chicken. Attentive; reasonable prices. Fun time! Looking forward to next time!
(5)
Kate c.
Although I enjoyed my dinner it took over an hour to get our entrees. The mussels were really good and they came out within a reasonable time which was great because we would have been starving without the appetizer and the bread. The place is small with very low ceilings so if you're really tall you might have a problem. They have a really small parking lot so chances are you'll have to park on the street.
Casual restaurant with intimate, low ceilings...noisy but tolerable. For appetizers, we had the calamari and baked clams - both excellent choices and fresh. For our main, i had the lobster roll and fries and the seared tuna - both very good! Beer selection was nice and had a great IPA on tap. Service was very good overall. I would recommend this restaurant for a casual night out for a good time.
(4)
jennifer r.
Was recommended by a friend, the place was a pleasant surprise for a marina restaurant. It is very cute and charming with a nautical vibe, service was friendly and the food was excellent. We had the steamers, portobello fries, tuna and sole. All delicious and very fresh. The key lime pie for dessert was outstanding.
(5)
Kevin O.
Chef Stephen brings many years of top restaurant experience to a real home style local joint on the water with the freshest seafood possible. If you don't like what modern, elevated cuisine is all about, Long John Silvers always has a table for you.
(5)
Shannon M.
BEST lobster roll EVER! Also, you MUST try the Crab Corn Cake sandwich! It is SO delicious! You truly get lump crab meat, folks...This is not just a bunch of breadcrumbs! The service at Anchor Down is ALWAYS phenomenal! After you have been there once, they remember you, and you always wind up having a pleasant dining experience! I feel so lucky that I live close enough to walk to this awesome restaurant! Can't wait to go back this week!
(5)
Denise S.
My husband and I went here for dinner on June 20 as an early Father's Dinner. Everything we had was so delicious. We ordered the lobster bisque. We were expecting just a cup of bisque. We each got a large bowl of the lobster bisque. It was the best lobster bisque we have ever had. My husband ordered the shrimp with the zucchini noodles and it was a delicious dinner and I can't wait to go back and try this for myself. I ordered the Chicken Milanese. It also was delicious. Would order it again. It was so big that I have lunch for today. For dessert we had the carrot cake and the mousse cake. Both were fantastic. We will definitely be back again real soon. The owner e mailed us that night to see how we enjoyed our dinners. Since he knew that it was going to be our first visit.
(5)
J F.
The food was actually much better than any restaurant that has occupied this space over the last many years. We all liked what we ate very much and we liked the outside dining. The service and flow of the meal however was terrible and then declined further. It seems extremely disorganized. We were seated on time for our 8pm reservation. Outside in a lovely outdoor setting on a perfect night. We sat for over 15 minutes before anyone even came over to see us. We finally asked for water and then our waiter came over to get our drink order. Drinks took way too long to come to the table. While waiting we saw another table seated. They were given a bread basket within 2 minutes of sitting that we never received even after sitting more than 30 minutes. It's my first time so I figured they don't put bread on the table. I was starving and was looking for our Waiter who was not be be found. I got up to seek him out and bumped into the hostess. I ask her to please send the waiter over with some bread. She brough it herself. (Very pleasantly) Finally drinks arrive and we order appetizers and dinner. The appetizers were 3 shrimp cocktails and a wege salad. They were all very good but took way to long to arrive. We ate and since the night was perfect we did not mind sitting with friends for the extended waits but it was Friday night after working all day and I was hungry. Dinner was served and we all got out main dishes, everyone agreed they food was great. The girls ordered a side of zucchini Linguine with marinara with their dinner (tossed salad) and it did not show up with the main meals. When the main dinners were delivered the waiter said it would be right out. More than 25 minutes later he arrived to say they were backed up in the kitchen and they would not be able to make it? We were done eating at that point and we asked for the bill. The bill came with the waiter carrying the zucchini Linguine and he put it on the table with plates and apologized. We were not charged for it. It happened to be excellent. It seems the hard stuff was done right. The food including the late arrival was really very good. The service and timing of the meals was poor. The place was not jam packed so there was really no excuse. It's too bad because we live walking distance and really love to support the local business. its a nice local place with a great outdoor seating section. I fear that if they haven't gotten their act together more than midway through the summer they are not going to. They should seek some help because if they just get the service done right ( on time and more professionally ) they could really have something. I would give this place another try and will update this review if it was just a bad night for them.
(2)
Eric P.
I went with my wife yesterday to anchor down for dinner using a groupon certificate. We ordered a lobster bisque soup, a lettuce wedge salad , a burger and crab cakes for dinner.The restaurant itself is attractive but seemed to have a sports theme at the bar.The soup was good but the salad was far too small for its 10 price.The burger was very good as were the crab cakes.The service was good and was responsive.The atmosphere was very friendly and the chef came out to chat with the diners.I believe however even though it is a fish restaurant that more dishes could be offered to non fish eaters like myself. Another problem were prices (including a 44 lobster dinner) making the price to value ratio below average for this type of restaurant. All in all this was a very good experience.
(3)
Jessica S.
Cute little restaurant on the water, it's very small inside and the tables are close together but the food is really good! We had baked clams that were delicious and fresh for appetizer, and entree I had crab cakes and my hubby had a burger that he thought was exceptional. We came with our 1 year old which I would not recommend. Not a place for kids so therefore it was not as enjoyable as it would have been. I would defiantly come back for date night. They also have quite a few specials! If you like seafood I would highly recommend.
(4)
Audrey C.
Good local spot! Greeted by a pleasant Annamaria! Haven't been there before so glad to have Zach, a waiter with lots of info on all the dishes, drinks, etc. Tried a couple of appetizers from the "specials" board. The beet salad was a good choice and the fried ipswich clams were enjoyable as well. For entree's we had the halibut special. Mine was good. A friend's was a little dry, but ok. Another of us had the fish and chips which he enjoyed. For dessert, we tried the peach cheesecake which was good, the key lime pie which was good but too sweet and the rhubarb and something else which was excelelnt. The staff was warm and friendly. The food was good. We'll be back!!
(4)
Michael S.
Just okay. On the plus, a nice and warm space with friendly and helpful wait staff. That said, the food was just okay - every dish seemed to be drowned in sauces which I thought went away 10+ years ago in favor of fresh, natural flavors. Also, I picked the restaurant from Yelp due to the location on the water - not their fault but you can't see the water from inside or outside seats. Unfortunate with the location essentially on the water. If in the area, I would give them another chance (mainly because everyone was so nice!!) but I would not go out of the way for it.
(3)
Pete C.
Upon entry the place is small and has low ceilings. The outside area is nice. The staff seemed friendly and attentive. The menu is ok. The food here However is excellent. I can not be more honest about that. Why I gave this place three stars was because its super expensive. I could have had two of my plates and thought it to be one meal. The dinner plates are in the middle twenty dollar range. For this price you can go to alot of different places and get much more. If u have alot of money then this place is golden. You can order two entrees just for yourself. Excellent food. CRAP price.
(3)
Marilyn C.
we went today with a groupon so we figured we would give it a try. the soups were good.. we got the baked clams which came with 6 small littleneck clams. had mostly breadcrumbs with an ok broth. we both got the branzino for our main meal. it was a nice piece of fish which was cooked well with nice crispy skins but even though we were told it was filleted, there were still alot of bones. the biggest issue was that all the food was not seasoned very well.. all very under seasoned and bland. it was an ok meal but i wouldnt go back again..
(2)
Jessenia Z.
Amazing food! Completely fresh. We had the clams and it was delicious. It came with cocktail sauce, seaweed salad and Tabasco. Not usually a fan of the seaweed salad but this one was just right. They have an extensive beer menu and a great wine menu. Chef Stephen Rosenbluth was extremely personable and truly cares about his guests. He personally came over to our table more than once to check on us. Its great. We will be coming back :)
(5)
Marlon F.
Great food and presentation. Had the Mako shark and I loved it. Very clean and the service is excellent.
(5)
donna c.
At the suggestion of friends, my husband and I along with another couple dined at Anchor Down. It's a small, cozy restaurant known for their fish. The food was excellent as was the service. We started with the fried calamari which was very tender and served with a delicious tomato sauce and a tasty mayonaise based dip. and the bacon wrapped scallops which were also great. For dinner we had the lobster oreganata, the flounder francese over spinach and the shrimp with 'zucchini spaghetti'. Everything was outstanding. We shared the chocolate mouse cake which was yummy. Definitely will without a doubt be back and suggest you give it a try. Oh, and by the way, the eggnog martini was soooo good. I hope we can order it year-round! The tables filled up fast so call for a reservation.
(5)
Ron L.
Great addition to the area...food and service are top notch! I will def be Anchoring Down again!
(5)
Bill W.
Great food and service. Lobster Bisque was outstanding. As was the Chilean Sea Bass. My friend had the flounder and said it was the best he's ever had. Easy parking and seating. Highly recommend.
(5)
Denise M.
Wow, love this place! The food was exceptional. It was Wine Down Wednesday so we had half price bottles of wine. Went for a friends birthday. They had fish which they said was wonderful. I had the half roasted chicken , OMG.. Crispy roasted chicken with asparagus . Our server Bev is a sweetheart. The chef/ owner Steve came out to greet our table. What a nice man. The decor is so cute and comfortable. huge bar. Outdoor seating is very cozy. I will be a return customer. Can't wait to go back
Excellent food, service and atmosphere Nice nautical decor. Our daughter got engaged a few weeks ago and we celebrated this special occasion at anchor down. The staff was very accommodating and even though every table was booked and the staff was running around they catered to our table of 15 very professionally This is a favorite spot of ours and we look forward to many more delicious meals.
(5)
Jenn R.
So happy we found this place! Delicious & by far the best calamari we have had in a long time and the chopped salad was great- fun seasonal flavors in a light dressing. Lobster roll, oyster poor boy and fish and chips were perfect. Save room for dessert- the key lime pie is summer on a plate! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Erin M.
Just what the area has needed for a long time now! Excellent food and service. Fresh seafood. Lobster special was delicious, as was the asparagus appetizer. Inside was a very nice atmosphere, and the outside patio is great for a sunny day. Definitely will try take out for the boat soon.
(5)
Chris W.
Tried this new restaurant and was very happy we did.. We ordered the NE Clam Chowder and fried asparagus appetizers and they were both outstanding. I ordered the swordfish special (grilled with Cajun seasonings). It was a nice size and cooked perfectly. My date ordered the Tuna which was also done to order. The live music by Barry Waller was an added bonus with nice acoustical music. We will definitely be headed here again soon.
(5)
Kathy P.
My friend and I dropped our kids off at the Jones Beach theater for a concert. We were looking for a decent place, not too far away. I used the Yelp app and we found a great place. We were seated promptly and the place wasn't too crowded. For starters, we had the New England clam chowder, lobster bisque and fried Ipswich clams which were all very good. My friend and I each opted for one of the specials, Lobster Tracy which was a 1.5lb lobster, halved, oreganata style with drawn butter and spinach on the side. The lobster was cooked perfectly. For dessert, we had the Key Lime pie, carrot cake and coffee. Everything was delicious! Since we are not from the immediate area, we would return the next time we drop the kids off for a concert.
(4)
Nicole N.
I went here last night with a friend for a business dinner. We were a party of 7 and seated within a few minutes of grabbing drinks at the bar. Apps: Portobello fries- served with sweet chili sauce, supper yummy. Calamari- fresh and accompanied by nice sauces. Crab cakes- served 1, very large. Comes with a delicious sauce. Oysters: we did three of each, really fresh . The kumotos were my favorite . I had the branzino, served with a chick pea salad. Fish was cooked and seasoned perfectly and the accompany of the chick peas was a perfect touch. I tried a few of my friends stuff: lobster bisque & mussels in the coconut broth. But were really good. Quaint and cozy restaurant with almost a beachy feel. Great personal service . Defiantly a hidden gem!
(4)
Robin C.
I've given Anchor Down a very positive review in the past but would like to add to it. Tonight for the first time I was offered something new for Anchor Down, Home Made Dessert! They were about 4 or 5 choices, one of them being Key Lime Pie. That is the one dessert I can not or will not turn down. Well like everything else at Anchor Down it was beyond exceptional! My advice is as good as everything is at Anchor Down; save room for dessert!
(5)
Abominable D.
I have to say that I'm shocked -- SHOCKED -- to see even a small scattering of one-star reviews for this place. So consider this review a free public service announcement: With all due respect, pay those one-star reviewers no mind! Whatever they said happened to them doesn't fit the the Anchor Down profile. Look for yourselves. The preponderance of five-star reviews screams volumes about what's going on here. And you do want to get in on it. Yes. You really do. We've been coming here, quite often, since it opened. Frankly, it is so damn hard to find any restaurant where the food and service is consistently great on the South Shore in Nassau County (and specifically, the stretch of coast south of Merrick Road that runs east to west from Massapequa to Merrick). And it's even harder to find one where the food and service is consistently great AND the the place is casual AND comfortable (cue up the theme from the TV show Cheers at this point, if you wish). But owner Steve and his team pull it off day after day, time and again. There are so many photos and well-deserved, in-depth, dissections of specific meals and dishes throughout all these reviews, it would be a folly (and a tad redundant) for me to attempt a detailed accounting of everything I've tried over the months. So I'll just start with the first word that comes to mind and applies across the board: Fresh. Whether it is the Malpeque Oysters and Seared Skate (my meal last night), or a Lobster, or the Steamers, or even just the Kale Caesar, the food is freshly sourced, freshly prepared, and always delicious...tasting like it should taste (not being masked by something else going on around the plate). A few months ago, when the blackboard special included the seldom seen treat of Dover Sole, Steve, while personally handling the table-side filleting, chatted about the docks in Freeport where he often (maybe always?) gets his ingredients from. Wonderful and genuine. And that brings me to a second word: Care. Nothing ever arrives to the table like an afterthought (an BIG pet peeve of mind). The Martini is mixed properly. The asparagus under the Seared Skate is cooked correctly and served warm. And back to that Kale Caesar -- it is crazy good...and that's coming from someone who isn't usually a salad guy for apps (let alone that trendy Kale stuff, which is too often something people eat because they believe it's "oh so healthy" -- but, deep down, they hate it). Everything is seasoned correctly. The only things you ever need to reach for at the table are the Tabasco and Mignonette (for Oysters) or the Clarified Butter (for Steamers and Lobster) -- the stuff you're expected to reach for! Yes, I wouldn't mind a little extra Remoulade on the Crab Cakes (and I'm certain they would accommodate such a request), but truth be told you can never give me enough mayo-based sauces with Crab Cakes or fried things. This review is long overdue. So I'll just close by saying if you haven't been here, come here. Go directly to the blackboard specials before you even look at the menu. But if you do look at the menu, don't dismiss the Sole Oreganto as ordinary, or the NY Strip as something you don't want to order in a seafood place...they are both fabulous. And then get ready to enjoy the great meal you will be served.
(5)
John Q.
The waitress was very attentive more important the food was excellent we started with clam chowder it was very good followed by the mussels with curry very good also. The fish and chips were the best..... Hanger steak was okay cooked like we ordered it. Desert was excellent I will be back
(4)
Shira F.
Super small, intimate, and adorable little local seafood restaurant. I was *hooked* from the moment I walked in. Okay, after that terrible joke, I'll get to the nitty gritty. The service was slow to start but once a waitress came by everything was smooth sailing. Okay okay I'll stop with the jokes. It was pretty busy on the Tuesday night I came in with my future hubby and father-in-law. We were seated at a table in the corner and perused the menu for quite some time. There were too many things on the menu I wanted to try! But after some deliberation here is what we got: My father-in-law had the shrimp poboy and loved it. My honey had the crab and corn cakes with hopping john salad and he really enjoyed it. The crab cakes were very good. I had the lobster roll. It was one of the best ones I've ever had. Huge chunks of some of the freshest lobster I've ever had. The mayo had tons of tarragon in it which made it so good. The roll was special. It reminded me of a pretzel and it held up the lobster perfectly. And the fries were on point too. I'm definitely coming back for this lobster roll as soon as possible!
(4)
Michelle Y.
Cute local seafood restaurant. Not directly on the water, but still a nice outdoor seating area. My husband and I split the lobster roll and fish and chips. Fresh and filling. The waitresses were very friendly, also.
We were looking for a waterfront restaurant on the south shore and Anchor Down got some good reviews on Yelp, so "anchors aweigh "we went. Small place, low ceilings, intimate atmosphere. VERY loud. We sat at the bar and had cocktails (good), Lobster Bisque (outstanding ) and ordered mussels with dijon cream which came out 1 hour and 15 minutes later with curry & coconut instead. We sent it back, canceled the dinner order and asked for 2 glasses of water. My water came with a dead roach in it! Nice touch to a very unpleasant experience. We asked to see the manager and the obviously over whelmed bartender informed us that she wasn't there. On a packed Saturday night at 8:00 there is no manager in the house?? We plan on giving this place another shot because of the positive reviews previously but I think mid-week is probably a better bet.
(2)
Annie A.
We were highly recommended to this restaurant and so excited to try it. But I must say this restaurant was a big disappointment! We never knew who our waiter was. Different people waited on us. The food came really late as if they forgot food for 5 people!! The baked clams were horrible...very bready. The Branzini was ridiculously tiny. No one came over to apologize for waiting an hour and a half for the main course. We'll take a pass on this one.
(1)
Steve P.
Went for the first time this weekend. Small but cute inside, full bar. Had the f. Calamari and raw clams, both were fresh and very good. Loved the small seaweed salad that came with the clams. We got the pasta special, which had shrimp, was excellent, shrimp were not over cooked. Also had the lobster roll, which was very good, had plenty of lobster. The "bun" was ok, id prefer something different, but no complaints. Also had a burger which was good, fries were very good as well. We will be back
(4)
Erin C.
I'm going to write what I think is a very fair review for our first experience at Anchor Down this past Saturday. I was home on Long Island for the weekend and my parents wanted a nice dinner out, on the water. Did some internet research and came across this restaurant. Hadn't heard of it before, but knew other restaurants in the area, saw good reviews, and decided to check it out. We called Saturday around noon to make a 6:30 reservation for that night. The person who answered the phone said they were "all booked up and only had outside tables left." Well, duh, who wouldn't want an outside table?? So we took it, but that comment later made sense. The restaurant is really nicely decorated in a nautical theme. I feel the need to emphasize this though - THERE IS NO WATER VIEW AT THIS RESTAURANT. I think the location and theme might be a little misleading. The outside area is great, and we were happy to sit out there with a nice breeze coming off the water - but it is an enclosed area, surrounded on all sides with a high, wooden fence. You cannot see the water, at all. On to the dining experience: We ordered drinks - a draft beer (a little on the flat side); a cosmopolitan (great) - and I ordered a "Sea Siren" which was advertised as vodka, fresh lemonade, peach schnapps and fresh mint. What arrived was a watery glass of vodka and bland lemonade with a sprig of mint as garnish. It was fine - but if you're going to advertise fancy cocktails for $12 a pop, you need to do a little better than that. For appetizers I had six oysters, which were divine. They were fresh, had all the appropriate accoutrements and I really liked that they came with a little side of seaweed salad. My dad had the crab and corn cake, which was also great - full of big pieces of crab and a really nice portion overall. My mom had the lobster bisque. It was another huge portion - a little salty but very good, and definitely had a nice flavor of sherry or some other booze which rounded it out nicely. For the main course - my dad had the local mako shark, which was a daily special and highly recommended by the waitress. He loved it! It was a really nice-sized portion of fresh fish, blackened and served with rice and burnt broccoli. He was raving about it. My mom got the sole oreganata, which was also quite lovely. In both dishes, you could tell the ingredients were fresh. As for mine, well...on the specials board was an advertisement for a 1.5 lb lobster prepared oreganata style for $30. Lobster is my favorite food but I tend to enjoy them in their purest form. So I asked the waitress if I could have the 1.5 lb lobster without oreganata and she said sure, they would make it steamed or broiled and it would "probably cost less, too." When my lobster came out it was CLEARLY not a 1.5 lb lobster. I would say it was *maybe* scraping one pound. When I took out one half of the tail it was literally about a tablespoon of meat. It was a scrawny little fella. In addition, it came with nothing but some spinach in the middle, which was all shoved into the tomalley (green gunk). I immediately ordered a side of fries, knowing I'd need more food. My mom said - "Is that lobster cooked?" It looked ok to me, but once I started eating it I realized it was underdone. By the time I got to the claws, which were the meatiest portion of the lobster, it was clear that they were raw - transparent in the middle, actually. Trying to not be a jerk, I brought this to the attention of the waitress and asked if they could throw the claw meat on the grill or something. She said they couldn't do that, and she'd compensate us in some way. So I didn't get to finish the already small lobster. Boo. When the bill came, the lobster charge was $30 (despite them saying it would be less) and they took off my $12 drink to compensate. We paid our $160 bill and left, not trying to make a stink. But realistically - the restaurant should have done more about that undercooked, small lobster. Steaming a lobster is pretty hard to mess up, and a seafood restaurant should be able to turn those out without blinking. I am still annoyed we paid $18 for a pretty crappy meal that I didn't get to enjoy. I want to make sure to mention that our waitress, Randy, was really good. She was attentive and knowledgeable and I'm sure any decisions on the food were made at the management level. So, some good, some bad. I plan to give it another try.
(3)
Ed K.
Excellent. I tried some different menu items and I was very pleased. Crispy Mushrooms (my wife just loves mushrooms) were made with a wonderful "tempura" type batter that was perfect. Crispy and tasty. NOT soggy. I can't wait to try the calamari because they use the same batter. My fish & chips dinner tasted great, too. Hot and plenty to eat. I was offered sweet potato fries and I took them. Great!!!!! My wife had the braised short ribs and she had a smile on all night. Thanks for the wonderful meal. I'll be back.
(5)
Ellie S.
We tried beet salad, calamari, portabello fries and two of their cocktails - all was delicious!! Outdoor patio was not at all what we expected - it's surrounded by a tall ugly fence and is quite small, not a waterfront restaurant as we thought it would be. Great service and food, but one star off for the not so great ambiance.
(4)
Jean D.
Beautiful place, one of merricks hidden gems.The atmosphere is great very friendly server and knowledgeable of menu and specials.The calamari was golden and crisp and the dipping sauces great.new England clam chowder best I ever had. My main course was the bronzene, perfectly cooked and topped with a yummy caper and sundried omato caponata.The chef even came over to my table to ask how everything was , very attentive to his patrons feedback.Im a chef myself in the culinary industry over 20 years.This is by far the best meal I've had in a very long time. Jean Pierre
(5)
David K.
Very small place you wouldn't notice unless you were looking for it. Down on the water in Merrick, you have to go through residential areas to find it. Excellent seafood. Priced well. Try the coconut curry mussels. Absolutely amazing. Low ceilings make you feel like you're on a boat. Great staff. Very friendly. Definitely will go back.
(5)
Michael S.
I want to say thank you to the chef/owner Steve. He took care of any over charges as well as the check from my last visit. He responded as an owner should and took the feedback as a positive. I will also give his establishment another go.
(1)
robin v.
We were greatly disappointed in our meal this evening! Service was reallllly bad, completely confused as to who our server was! Undercooked steamers and whole Bronzino was like 1/4 of a fish. We left hungry with three main meals ordered. Very overpriced for the portions as well.
(1)
J S.
What a nice find! Went last night after reading positive Yelp reviews, while looking for a place to celebrate my mother in law's birthday with my wife. Mother in law had the New England Clam Chowder= delicious, with fresh, whole clams (thank you for giving us a taste!) Wife and I shared an order of the mussels in Thai coconut curry =a delicious departure from the common preparations we usually get at other places (white wine, garlic and butter). The waitress was kind enough to direct us that one order would be sufficient to share, and she earned big points for being right. For entrees, wife and I each got a Monk Fish special: seared perfectly, over Parmesan risotto and a lobster reduction topped with fried shaved leeks this was really phenomenal, from the perfect level of cooking to the layers of favors. I had to ask what was in the amazing lobster reduction. Apparently it's a reduction of lobster shells in sherry (and definitely a bit or two of butter). Awesome. Mother in law had the crab cakes entree with an interesting slaw. Presentation was beautiful and crab cakes were perfect. Since she's a local, my mother in law asked for a stack of business cards to hand out to friends, confirming she loved it as much as we did. We'll be back. It's a small, unassuming place with cute decorations. You'd never know it contained a sweet waitress and an amazing chef. But, now you know!
(5)
Claudia S.
Came here for dinner and my first thought was how cute this little restaurant is! It is very cozy and warming - food was great, and service was relatively quick. Used a groupon and it was well worth it!
(4)
Toni M.
Found this place online after looking for waterfront restaurants in my area so we got a reservation for a table outside the place is very small my husbands head literally hit the ceiling when he went to the restroom the atmosphere is nothing to brag about but the service was very nice and the food was delicious I had wedge salad which was great my husband had a shrimp cocktail which was also very good we had a few cocktails each and I ordered some shrimp in a cream sauce over zucchini pasta which was absolutely delicious my husband got a New York strip steak with asparagus which was a little over cooked but very tender and he also loved every bit of it I think originally they must have been using the outside for smokers and not really dinner service because it's not really set up with a nice view but we will definitely be going there again the prices were very reasonable and the service was great just a little tip definitely make a reservation
(4)
Scott G.
I've eaten at this location since I moved around the corner in 2004. Since then it's been at least 4 different places . Finally they nailed it. Having eaten almost everything inc the menu , I can tell you I haven't had a bad meal there and some exceptional ones . The clams are amazing . I prefer them in the half shell , the Posilipo is just great , there not enough bread to suck up lol the sauce. I try a different special often and always quite happy . I'm not afraid to send anything back and do so when I'm not getting what either I ordered or its off. Steve and his very friendly crew really dies a great job. SG
(5)
Henry M.
Ok so made a pitstop here in the summer for the lobster we ordered picked it up and went out on our boat all day the the lobster roll was amazing! Stopped by for long island restaurant week to see if the place was as good as the lobster roll or!if it was a fluke! (Pun intended) each course was better than the next great new england clam chowder, next i went for the cioppino everyone says i should've started with a salad i know yada yada.. I wanted soup and stew the cioppino was honestly the best ive had growing up in italian community ive had my fair share it tasted fresh and homemade like my best friend sals grandma made it and choc cake w caramel & sea salt was just the perfect icing on the cake with a lil cappuccino i was set great meal and great price
(5)
Randon R.
Anchor Down has got to have the best food within a 20 mile radius of 1960 Bayberry Avenue. I'm not exaggerating! Everything on the menu is delicious. The bar is stocked (including Tito's vodka and Rum Chata, my favorites) and there's a new jukebox, connected to the internet so you can play any song you want. You can even order from the entire menu at the bar! There's no other place in Merrick I'd rather go out, especially since the bar is rarely overcrowded, but some Saturday nights there could be a crowd. Every Saturday night there is a live music act. The hostess is pretty cute too. The food is great and the staff definitely accommodates any picky eaters. There are new specials on the chalkboard every time I come in. The restaurant has changed with the seasons, the holiday decorations and fireplace add a warm touch.
(5)
Susan U.
So... we had one dinner at Anchor Down probably in June 2015 and it was good. A little pricey for what it is but whatevs that doesn't bother us. We went back last night 9/5/15 and to say we were disappointed was an understatement! The chopped salad was good. Three of us ordered the tuna and asked for it medium - I personally said medium but a little "wellish" just a tad PINK. What we all received was RAW underdone tuna which went right back. Well one of our people said I'll eat it I like sushi... um this this not sushi this is grilled tuna steak my gosh!. Anyway the waitress apologizes and they take them back - when the 2 of us received the dishes back they still were not pink - mine was a shiny gray I am not kidding! Was so upset I said ok I no longer want this. They asked do you want something else and of course at this point you've lost your appetite. The 4th person in the party had crabcakes which were fine. All in all NOT a good experience and we will not be returning. Being Labor Day weekend it was not crowded so this is even more unacceptable. They did not offer a drink for our troubles either - not looking for anything free but it would have been the professional thing to do being I was really annoyed. But can you blame me? We went out for what we thought would be a nice dinner and 3 plates came out RAW. Sorry will definitely not go back.
(2)
Laura L.
I came here with some friends on Saturday night and it was fantastic. The wait was a bit long but the food was awesome. Our table just decided to split some appetizers. We ordered the thai coconut curry mussels, steamers, and fried calamari. The mussels were awesome, the thai coconut curry sauce is so delicious, I just got hungry thinking about it (extra tip - dip your bread in the sauce, it's awesome). Steamers were also out of this world. The calamari was my least favorite thing, however, it was still good. I would just say the calamari was average and a little too fried. Prices are reasonable, and the three appetizers satisfied four of us. We didn't need to order main courses. I would love to come back here soon! Also, they had a man playing guitar and singing by the bar area and it was a fun atmosphere.
(4)
Rose B.
We tried it again two weeks ago, and it was really good. It is close to home so we risked going in again, and brought another couple with us. We really enjoyed it. I am changing my review!
(5)
Sean J.
out tonight for my mothers birthday. We were greeted right away and our table was ready right on time! The food was great with three types of oysters on the menu. I had the yellowfin tuna which was perfectly cooked. Over all a wonderful experience we will be back for sure!
(5)
Howard K.
I live in the neighborhood and this is a favorite place. Steve the owner treats everyone like royalty even though this restaurant is small and friendly. A casual place to hang your hat, have a beer or 2 and relax. The bartender Shawn was making us feel right at home too. Had the hamburger last night, best I've had in a while. Last time I was here, the lobster special, simple and great food to feast on. Enjoy!
ok so I'm a tough customer and this place has hit it out of the park on all aspects. the space is cozy nautical and clean, so very clean (the JAP in me). The food is far more metropolitan than I had ever expected or had while visting the in laws (they dock in the marina located out back), the chef was mingling with diners and when he stopped by us, he intimated to us that he worked as a chef in manhattan for years, explains the level of service and the quality/ the preparation of the menu items. The lobster roll was to die for.. i didn't drink but my hubby said the drinks were spot on, I'm thinking the staff is city trained four star service staff my waitress was sweet, professional and knowledgeable. I ask a lot of questions (JAP again) she had all the answers, not the usual teenage mom or college pothead servers you get on the island....highly recommended!!!
(5)
D K.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! We celebrated the night with a pre-fix dinner Menu. The restaurant was 100% full all at one time and that is not easy for a kitchen to handle. Our server took our orders and within minutes food was flowing. My wife had the shrimp cocktail, shrimp were cold and crisp as they should be. I had the bacon wrapped scallops, the scallops where nice and sweet and the bacon was oh so good For the main we both had the fillet minion. Cooked and seasons perfectly. Our friends had the lobster and also were very pleased. Small pastries were put on the table for dessert for all to share, they were adequate and not exceptional All in all we had a great meal and great night with our friends. I will 100% come back to this place Happy New Year!!!!
(5)
Becca G.
Words can not express how pleased I have been with ALL of my Anchor Down experiences. First off, they take reservations, even for parties of 2, which is a total score! They offer both inside and outdoor seating (sometimes with live music). I ALWAYS start with the chopped salad (YUM) and have been on the crab cake kick lately. The crab cake is a true lump crab cake (not filled with fillers). Earlier this year, I enjoyed a shrimp special and approached the owner to see when it would be coming back. To my surprise, he told me just to inform him when I would be and he would make it happen! Talk about incredible customer service! The entire Anchor Down staff aims to please and make it a pleasant experience. I even recently went with a friend who has a tricky food allergy (and sometimes finds it hard to eat out) and she commented on how seriously they took her allergy AND how yummy the food was. During restaurant week, the portions were generous and there was a beautiful selection of choices! If you have not already tried this gem, please add it to your summer to do list...you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Debra F.
Debra F., This is a lovely restaurant where all, the hostess, server, and the chef, extended themselves in a caring and very hospitable way. They all aimed to please, and they succeeded immensely. The food was delicious, the ambience cosy, warm, and romantic. I loved my dinner of salmon fillet and quinoa with a creamed spinach side. My husband enjoyed his appetizer of spicy tuna roll , and a very nicely prepared chopped salad with salmon. The restaurant may be small, but it is huge in attentiveness and eagerness to please. I highly recommend it, and we will be returning in the near future.
(5)
Janet G.
This was the first time to the restaurant and was so pleased. The atmosphere was charming and warm and the staff could not have been nicer. The chef also came around to the tables to see how everything was. We shared the chopped salad which was delicious and our entries were the seared tuna and grilled salmon. Both were fantastic. It's a great place and we can't wait to go back!
(5)
Phil S.
My wife like her chopped salad and her shrimp cocktail. My muscles were good but my calamari was not. Not sure if this is the norm but calamari was very chewy. Decor outside is nothing special and there is no view of the water.
(3)
Jim E.
Excellent excellent dinner tonight. Fried calamari was fresh and not chewy. I had the Thai coconut muscles and they were very very good but the topper was the bronzino. Outstanding! Everything everyone ordered was delicious. Very nice, quiet friendly restaurant. Only thing keeping then from 5 stars was the men's room wasnt the cleanest and we were the only ones in there. No reason this couldn't be cleaned. But if they do, I see no reason for not giving 5 stars. We will be back again. I'll just pee before lol ;-)
(4)
C B.
This place is a hidden gem, Went there with a party of 6 and everything we ordered was outstanding. The lobster bisque was outstanding and the raw oysters were so fresh. Service was great as well. Took the food a little while to come out but it was worth the wait. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Kristen M.
Everything was absolutely delicious! Staff was extremely attentive, the hostess Erin was a sweetheart. Definitely recommend the mussels and the lobster roll. Will be back with a larger party!!
(5)
Emily T.
I ate here when they first open and spent a year abroad--I came back and WOW. They really made the place a LOT more homier and quaint over the year... Cute decorations, intimate atmosphere, brand new outside patio which I plan to have an evening dinner on. I came and ordered the bisque at the bar--Chef Steve is on his game as always! Favorite place to go for seafood on Long Island. Great food, great service. Can't wait to come back--5 stars all around.
(5)
Jaclyn W.
Cozy nautical spot with unique menu options. Blackened swordfish was delicious and the iceberg wedge is a must for that heavenly blue cheese dressing! Attentive service as well
(5)
Jamessina h.
Close to home, on the water and live entertainment makes Anchor Down perfect for cocktails with the moms or date night. Sangria was lovely and the chocolate cake was decadent. Must return for the seafood, I've heard people raving! Love this spot for cocktails and a great time!
As the proud member of select fine dining group, I had the pleasure to dine at the Anchor Down on Thursday. All I can say is that the chef Steve is a genius. In both preparation and presentation, not to mention its all very delicious. From the freshest seafood- clams, oysters, calamari to speciality item like Lobster Tracey and Shrimp with Black Bean sauce to their prime meats from a local source Surburbia Meats. Whether you live around the corner or have to travel from NYC this is a must visit.
(5)
Brad R.
Whatever this small restaurant pumps out of the kitchen is first rate, locally and freshly sourced, and expertly prepared by the head chef/owner that has an incredibly deep New York City restaurant resume as a head chef. In all candor, the cast iron pan seared salmon over quinoa looked like it came out of a Food and Wine magazine photo shoot and tasted better than any salmon that I have had ANYWHERE. Perfection on a plate. Fresh shucked oysters along with Long Island's own ice cold Blue Point Lager, together with creamed spinach to die for, made for an outstanding meal. While "fish-centric" offerings are abundant, there are plenty of delicious non seafood items as well. Steak, gourmet burgers, chicken, daily blackboard specials and that heavenly fish, make for a feast no matter what you're craving. Wish they would put a few pastas on the menu and I am sure Chef Steve can make one helluva lobster mac'n cheese! Please show us!
(4)
Brian Z.
Had a bad experience at Anchor Down. Previously wrote a bad review. Decided to take that review down for the time being as the owner called me to apologize and wants to do the right thing. Will go back there again and give the owner the benefit of the doubt. Will update review after and hopefully I can write a 5 star review.
(3)
Kathy M.
First time there, delicious food, very generous pours on the wine. Nice and quiet, great atmosphere! We had a fabulous waiter and the chef came out to ask how everything was, very impressed that he truly is interested in your dining experience, will definitely be going back there again!! Truly a hidden gem!!!
(4)
David F.
awesome menu , very fresh seafood. i had the lobster for 25 bucks , and i couldn't finish it, had to be more than 1 1/2 lbs....and my three kids loved it too
(5)
Derek H.
It was just ok. Paid way too much money for a mediocre meal. I could have gone to a much better restaurant for what I spent there.
(3)
G S.
Yummy!! Good service and really good food. Had the kale salad and grilled Bronzino....the dressing on the Bronzino with capers and sundried tomato was so tasty! Just a little to much olive oil, will ask for it a little drier next time
(5)
Michael O.
This place is great!!! Seafood was fresh and prepared wonderfully. The Blackened Mahi Mahi was outstanding. As for the other reviews that state that the menu is overpriced, I'd have to disagree. While Anchor Down may not be the least expensive restaurant in the area, they do provide an excellent meal at a reasonable price. We are not getting crap steaks or cheap pasta dishes, you are getting high quality seafood dishes at a fair price. I had a great meal and will continue to recommend Anchor Down to anyone looking for a great seafood restaurant in the area.
(5)
Allie M.
Went to Anchor Down about two weeks ago with my husband after reading all about it in the local newspapers. Pros: The food is really good. The crab cake appetizer was really delicious and the accompanying sauce was on the money. My mahi mahi appetizer was very good and my husband's Ritz cracker stuffed shrimp were buttery and delicious. Cons: The entrees don't really come with a "side" - you have to pay extra for things you might expect to be included like fries or spinach. The service was incredibly slow, our crab cake appetizer came out in what felt like seconds and then it took a good half hour after that to get our entrees. The prices are STEEP in comparison to the portions you are receiving, especially for the appetizers. Lastly, this is not a "waterfront dining" restaurant (and in all fairness I'm not sure if they really claim to be or not) but I was expecting it to be and it's not - the outdoor seating area is not waterfront and is basically a smaller fenced in portion of the adjacent boatyard. Instead, we ate inside where the ceilings are rather low and kind of claustrophobic feeling. We are planning on trying The Boathouse around the corner to compare and then decide from there which will be our local seafood joint.
(3)
Helen P.
On my first visit I had the fish and chips......Hands down it was the BEST I've ever had. Having a family from Great Britain I've had my fair share of fish and chips and this by far has been one of the best. My husband had the lobster roll...OMG! Delicious, a full lobster goes into one sandwich which will leave you full and satisifed. Love the new decor and owners, wish them the best. I will be back.
Karen H.
Enjoyed a late lunch at the Anchor Down, a really cute nautical place by (not on) the water. I had the oyster po'boy. It was good, but a little skimpy with the oysters. I think there were three, maybe four. I'm not one with a huge appetite. If I noticed, then it must have been skimpy. My landlubber husband had the Anchor Down hot dog which he said was really good, better than CitiField. They have a special going on: 1 1/4 lobster for $20. I think we'll go back for that.
(4)Joe M.
I dined here recently and thought the meal was just OK. Ordered the crab cake, flounder Francese and my girlfriend had the Lobster Bisque and Tuna. For a seafood restaurant, I thought there would be more seafood options, but there wasn't. In addition, I thought the prices were a little steep. I've eaten at fine seafood restaurants both in Manhattan and other cities, such as Vegas, Chicago, etc and I am more than willing to pay for good food, let alone seafood, but I just didn't think the food was worth the price at Anchor Down. I may give it another shot during the summer months to see if their menu changes, but I'm not sure it would be my first choice on the list.
(3)Corey C.
The Chef here puts out some of the best dishes I've had in years. Some are unique (Chilled Watermelon, Roasted Corn & Feta salad), others are timeless classics; such as the most delicate Lobster Bisque with an incredible depth of flavor that I've ever had. The Crab Cake was the best I've had on Long Island in years; and I am a Crab Cake snob! Other points of interest on the menu were the Mussels which we enjoyed very much, and pretty much any dish that we observed during our stay looked well put-together and delicious! The place is a bit claustrophobic at first when you walk in due to the low ceilings, and the outdoor patio area is also a bit tight as you are fully surrounded by a wooden fence to hide the surrounding boat yard; but do not let this deter you from the real reason we all venture out to eat, which is the food!!! Enjoy!
(5)S P.
Stopped by on the way back from Robert Moses beach. This one is more close to Jone Beach though. Nice laid back restaurant by a marina. They sat us indoors which we didn't mind after an afternoon at the beach. But they gave a small outdoor sitting area too. we had a light dinner - but was very satisfying. I ordered shrimp po-boy, which seemed like a must-try. My wife had lobster roll, which we both enjoyed as well. Sandwiches come with fries that are quit delicious, seemed to be seasoned with Old Bay. Seems like this would be our de-facto seafood stop whenever we visit a long island beach. Additionally, they are open all year long, not just the summer.
(5)Brooke S.
Remarkable food!! Excellent service!! Very cozy and quaint seafood restaurant. The lobster roll and key lime pie were the best I've ever had. There wasn't anything that I didn't enjoy about my experience last night. I will be recommending this spot to everyone that I know:)
(5)Nick K.
Family and I were in the area looking for a place to eat, I turned on my yelp app, saw anchor down, read all the great reviews, told my wife looks kid friendly let's try it etc. Best experience over all , don't want bore reviewers with long reviews, but it's a MUST TRY THIS.. Keep up the good work will be back soon..
(5)Figgy P.
Excellent - Excellent- Excellent! What a wonderful find in Merrick. This place is a small, intimate, warm and inviting Resturant that serves fantastic food with fantastic service. Our server Zach was friendly and very informed about the menu and preparations of every dish. His service was professional and attentive. The food was super good. We has scallops, salmon, shrimp and swordfish between the four of us. Each dish was prepared with care and creativity. Each dish better than the other. A must visit if you are on the South Shore. Worth the trip from wherever you are! Bravo!
(5)KayVee W.
Cons: Arrived at 5:45 without reservations today and was seated by a very sweet hostess immediately. Water served right away followed by our terrific waiter Steve who took our drink order after explaining specials. Warm bread and herbal butter followed along with delicious drinks. Baked clams and New England clam chowder were so tasty! Ordered a Cesar salad in place of the kale salad and it was just ok, might try the kale next time. I chose the swordfish special which was grilled to perfection and hubby inhaled the house burger. Will definitely be back again! Con: the older couple that was seated after us (we dined outside) decided to complain 5 minutes after they sat their grumpy asses down that "nobody was paying attention to them" and proceeded to vent ignorantly across the patio to another couple about how they "were there Saturday and it took a whole hour for their meal" - I truly bit my tongue from giving them a Bronx cheer but made sure to tell the poor waitress who got stuck dealing with these 2 idiots who "live around the cawna" that the meal and staff were awesome. Next time no tongue biting -the snobs will be put in check! Give this place a try, you won't be dissatisfied, we will be back!
(5)Carol S.
I've become a regular customer since my last year's review of Anchor Down and want to say that it has been consistently delicious, innovative and just a very charming, fun place to dine. We try to go on the early side as they do get crowded and it is a small, cozy place. Friendly atmosphere and an attentive staff make this my number one go to restaurant. The Chef goes out of his way to make things right. He can go off menu, accommodate even the pickiest of eaters, as well as restrictive diets, and will bend over backwards to try and make every dining experience a tasty treat for all. Weekends are hopping and with live music so if you don't like crowds or a lively group then try weekdays or off-hours, but don't miss out on this hidden neighborhood gem. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Lauren C.
Love, love, love this place! SUNDAY FUN DAYS, romantic dinner for two, new years eve, mid day snack or Parents Day (mom, dad and stepparents too) food is always fresh and amazing. Best raw seafood ice cold and perfect! Crab cakes, fish, steak, baked clams, calamari and drinks! Cozy atmosphere friendly staff and love the that owner/chef knows your name. So happy it's close enough we can ride our bike!
(5)T S.
One of the finest restaurants I've ever had the pleasure of dining at. Quaint, charming and the food is fantastic! The owner and head chef, Steve often can be seen checking on diners to ensure they are completely happy with their meal. Live entertainment on weekends, outdoor dining (weather permitting) Looking for good food and a good time, you've gotta try the Anchor. Don't forget to try the famous special "Lobster Tracey". Fresh oysters and home made soups are a must!
(5)Shari R.
This restaurant has a very cute nautical theme. I came here for lunch mid week and it was a nice relaxed atmosphere. The music was slightly loud but we asked the owner to lower the volume and he was happy to oblige. I was thoroughly impressed with the lobster bisque. It was very creamy and had generous portions of lobster in it! I also enjoyed a tasty shrimp po-boy sandwich. I was happy with the service and food. Highly recommend it!
(5)Christina G.
I was in the area recently and stopped in to Anchor Down on a recommendation from a friend. I'm so glad I did because the experience was absolutely fantastic on all fronts. I was fortunate enough to be with enough people that I could really get a nice sampling of the menu. To start we had some soups -- Clam chowder, Lobster Bisque, and French Onion. All were delicious, but the seafood ones really stood out. Both had a lot of flavor and plenty of fresh bits of seafood throughout. I appreciated how well balanced they were; perfectly rich and creamy, but somehow there was still a lightness to them. We split the Kale Caesar as well, and an assortment of raw Oysters. Perfection! For entrees we had the Yellow Fin Tuna and two specials -- A Maine Lobster and Sliced Filet Mignon dish. The most unique of the three was the Tuna. I loved that it was paired with Szechwan Green Beans and the Chinese 5-spice Crust was such a pleasant surprise to the taste buds, especially if you are not accustomed to that type of flavor profile. It worked wonderfully with the Tuna. The Lobster was for me the most memorable. It was cooked beautifully with butter, lemon and breadcrumbs. Each bite felt more sinful than the last! The Steak was the most classic of the three and just as amazing. It was perfectly seasoned and incredibly tender. Another key takeaway in terms of the food was how wonderfully fresh everything tasted and also that balance I mentioned earlier. Each dish was so well balanced that I never felt weighed down by a particular thing. I really appreciated that quality in all of these dishes. The restaurant itself is clean and beautiful. Service was excellent and Chef Stephen even made an appearance at our table to see how our meal was and chat for a bit. That's always something I love to see at a restaurant. You can tell a lot of hard work and love went into this place, which makes it all the better! There is not a single bad thing I can say about the food or my experience at Anchor Down. My meal here was one of the best I'd had in a while. Chef Stephen is truly talented and excellent at what he does. Anchor Down is a fantastic addition to the area and I cannot wait to come back in the summer months to enjoy some fresh seafood al fresco!
(5)Yolanda H.
I was looking for a local seafood restaurant for Father's Day and found this restaurant in my backyard. The staff and food was great. It was an intimate feel and family friendly. I will definitely will return.
(4)Aly V.
I had dinner with my family here last night, and let me just say it was the worst service I have ever experienced. It took an hour for the waiter to come to our table, and he never formally introduced himself, so we went the entire meal without knowing who our waiter was. It took about 45 minutes for our appetizers to come out, and when we got our steamers, they were undercooked and cold. The entrée portions were very small, and it wasn't cheap. To be honest, I had mostly lost my appetite for the entree after eating undercooked clams, but the rest of the table left hungry. This restaurant came highly recommended, so we were really surprised by how bad the service was- and nobody acknowledged how poor the service they provided was which could have really gone a long way. I don't see us giving this place a second chance.
(1)Peter M.
I went there with my wife on Thursday night. Right when we walked we greeted with a smiling face. We were seated immediately and our waitress quickly came over and Introduced herself. My wife and I are usually against small talk but our waitress was so down to earth and warm that we just couldn't help ourselves to chat with her. Now as far as the food? Let me tell you something ,, we couldn't have been happier. I usually like to order a lot of appetizers just to taste everything and boy am I glad we did. We literally ate everything. The lobster bisque (which we shared) was so creamy and delicious. The oysters were top notch. The Portobello French fries with the Thai chile sauce were so addicting. The jumbo lump crab cake which I normally do not like was delicious especially with the garnish they put with it. And to close out our appetizer order we got the Burrata (which was a special) was the creamiest most delicious cheese I have ever had.. For dinner I ordered the Yellow Fin Tuna and my wife had the Shrimp with the Zucchini pasta. Both were delicious.. I recommend this place to anyone who enjoys quality food. Also don't forget to have a Caba champagne (not sure if I'm saying that right) with your meal. Awesome.
(5)Paula Jean K.
This is a small restaurant that recently underwent a complete make-over. It's really quite lovely inside. It's divided into 2 sections: on the right hand side is the dining room and on the left hand side is the bar and a few two-tops. We opted to sit at the bar. As it was only 1800 when we arrived on a Friday night, the stools were mostly occupied by locals and fisherman, But when we left at 2000, the dining room was full with folks standing around waiting for a table. And the bar was taken over by a younger crowd. We planned to only check it out and have a couple of beers, but I watched the bartender make a Bloody Mary which he topped with beer, and I was sold! BTW, he was great this bartender was! He was fast, never left our glass empty and was personable too. My only gripe is that a blackboard special of steamers was very small and there were only about a dozen of them. When I got the bill and realized they charged me 17USD for them, I got steamed! I know thery're hard to find, I get it, but that was ridiculous! There are other popular seafood restaurants on the island that give you a propper bucket of steammers for 10USD-12USD. (I just did some YEsearch on the matter) But, it is, after all, my fault since the price wasn't on the black board, so I should have asked. It's very comfortable and laid back here. I I'll be back!
(4)Randi H.
Went to anchor the other night for dinner, excellent ! Started with steamers and a bowl of soup which were delicious and both had lobster rolls for dinner which were excellent ! Will be back again :) staff was very nice and helpful
(5)Lesa S.
Fresh Seafood, steak, chicken. Attentive; reasonable prices. Fun time! Looking forward to next time!
(5)Kate c.
Although I enjoyed my dinner it took over an hour to get our entrees. The mussels were really good and they came out within a reasonable time which was great because we would have been starving without the appetizer and the bread. The place is small with very low ceilings so if you're really tall you might have a problem. They have a really small parking lot so chances are you'll have to park on the street.
(3)Stacey R.
I recently had dinner at Anchor Down with a couple of friends. I'm a huge fan of seafood chowders and so my friend and I decided to order the lobster bisque and the new england clam chowder so we could share and taste both. They were both delicious and I would order either again, but the lobster bisque was extremely tasty, perfect consistency and had nice big chunks of lobster in it. For my entrée I ordered the sauteed shrimp which was prepared in a garlic lemon sauce which was very yummy. My friends ordered the strip steak and crab cakes for their entrees and both were happy with their dishes. Although the restaurant is small, it has a cute atmosphere & décor with a nautical theme. Our waitress Patty was very friendly and helpful in providing recommendations. Overall I was really pleased with the food and would definitely go back.
(5)Lee D.
Casual restaurant with intimate, low ceilings...noisy but tolerable. For appetizers, we had the calamari and baked clams - both excellent choices and fresh. For our main, i had the lobster roll and fries and the seared tuna - both very good! Beer selection was nice and had a great IPA on tap. Service was very good overall. I would recommend this restaurant for a casual night out for a good time.
(4)jennifer r.
Was recommended by a friend, the place was a pleasant surprise for a marina restaurant. It is very cute and charming with a nautical vibe, service was friendly and the food was excellent. We had the steamers, portobello fries, tuna and sole. All delicious and very fresh. The key lime pie for dessert was outstanding.
(5)Kevin O.
Chef Stephen brings many years of top restaurant experience to a real home style local joint on the water with the freshest seafood possible. If you don't like what modern, elevated cuisine is all about, Long John Silvers always has a table for you.
(5)Shannon M.
BEST lobster roll EVER! Also, you MUST try the Crab Corn Cake sandwich! It is SO delicious! You truly get lump crab meat, folks...This is not just a bunch of breadcrumbs! The service at Anchor Down is ALWAYS phenomenal! After you have been there once, they remember you, and you always wind up having a pleasant dining experience! I feel so lucky that I live close enough to walk to this awesome restaurant! Can't wait to go back this week!
(5)Denise S.
My husband and I went here for dinner on June 20 as an early Father's Dinner. Everything we had was so delicious. We ordered the lobster bisque. We were expecting just a cup of bisque. We each got a large bowl of the lobster bisque. It was the best lobster bisque we have ever had. My husband ordered the shrimp with the zucchini noodles and it was a delicious dinner and I can't wait to go back and try this for myself. I ordered the Chicken Milanese. It also was delicious. Would order it again. It was so big that I have lunch for today. For dessert we had the carrot cake and the mousse cake. Both were fantastic. We will definitely be back again real soon. The owner e mailed us that night to see how we enjoyed our dinners. Since he knew that it was going to be our first visit.
(5)J F.
The food was actually much better than any restaurant that has occupied this space over the last many years. We all liked what we ate very much and we liked the outside dining. The service and flow of the meal however was terrible and then declined further. It seems extremely disorganized. We were seated on time for our 8pm reservation. Outside in a lovely outdoor setting on a perfect night. We sat for over 15 minutes before anyone even came over to see us. We finally asked for water and then our waiter came over to get our drink order. Drinks took way too long to come to the table. While waiting we saw another table seated. They were given a bread basket within 2 minutes of sitting that we never received even after sitting more than 30 minutes. It's my first time so I figured they don't put bread on the table. I was starving and was looking for our Waiter who was not be be found. I got up to seek him out and bumped into the hostess. I ask her to please send the waiter over with some bread. She brough it herself. (Very pleasantly) Finally drinks arrive and we order appetizers and dinner. The appetizers were 3 shrimp cocktails and a wege salad. They were all very good but took way to long to arrive. We ate and since the night was perfect we did not mind sitting with friends for the extended waits but it was Friday night after working all day and I was hungry. Dinner was served and we all got out main dishes, everyone agreed they food was great. The girls ordered a side of zucchini Linguine with marinara with their dinner (tossed salad) and it did not show up with the main meals. When the main dinners were delivered the waiter said it would be right out. More than 25 minutes later he arrived to say they were backed up in the kitchen and they would not be able to make it? We were done eating at that point and we asked for the bill. The bill came with the waiter carrying the zucchini Linguine and he put it on the table with plates and apologized. We were not charged for it. It happened to be excellent. It seems the hard stuff was done right. The food including the late arrival was really very good. The service and timing of the meals was poor. The place was not jam packed so there was really no excuse. It's too bad because we live walking distance and really love to support the local business. its a nice local place with a great outdoor seating section. I fear that if they haven't gotten their act together more than midway through the summer they are not going to. They should seek some help because if they just get the service done right ( on time and more professionally ) they could really have something. I would give this place another try and will update this review if it was just a bad night for them.
(2)Eric P.
I went with my wife yesterday to anchor down for dinner using a groupon certificate. We ordered a lobster bisque soup, a lettuce wedge salad , a burger and crab cakes for dinner.The restaurant itself is attractive but seemed to have a sports theme at the bar.The soup was good but the salad was far too small for its 10 price.The burger was very good as were the crab cakes.The service was good and was responsive.The atmosphere was very friendly and the chef came out to chat with the diners.I believe however even though it is a fish restaurant that more dishes could be offered to non fish eaters like myself. Another problem were prices (including a 44 lobster dinner) making the price to value ratio below average for this type of restaurant. All in all this was a very good experience.
(3)Jessica S.
Cute little restaurant on the water, it's very small inside and the tables are close together but the food is really good! We had baked clams that were delicious and fresh for appetizer, and entree I had crab cakes and my hubby had a burger that he thought was exceptional. We came with our 1 year old which I would not recommend. Not a place for kids so therefore it was not as enjoyable as it would have been. I would defiantly come back for date night. They also have quite a few specials! If you like seafood I would highly recommend.
(4)Audrey C.
Good local spot! Greeted by a pleasant Annamaria! Haven't been there before so glad to have Zach, a waiter with lots of info on all the dishes, drinks, etc. Tried a couple of appetizers from the "specials" board. The beet salad was a good choice and the fried ipswich clams were enjoyable as well. For entree's we had the halibut special. Mine was good. A friend's was a little dry, but ok. Another of us had the fish and chips which he enjoyed. For dessert, we tried the peach cheesecake which was good, the key lime pie which was good but too sweet and the rhubarb and something else which was excelelnt. The staff was warm and friendly. The food was good. We'll be back!!
(4)Michael S.
Just okay. On the plus, a nice and warm space with friendly and helpful wait staff. That said, the food was just okay - every dish seemed to be drowned in sauces which I thought went away 10+ years ago in favor of fresh, natural flavors. Also, I picked the restaurant from Yelp due to the location on the water - not their fault but you can't see the water from inside or outside seats. Unfortunate with the location essentially on the water. If in the area, I would give them another chance (mainly because everyone was so nice!!) but I would not go out of the way for it.
(3)Pete C.
Upon entry the place is small and has low ceilings. The outside area is nice. The staff seemed friendly and attentive. The menu is ok. The food here However is excellent. I can not be more honest about that. Why I gave this place three stars was because its super expensive. I could have had two of my plates and thought it to be one meal. The dinner plates are in the middle twenty dollar range. For this price you can go to alot of different places and get much more. If u have alot of money then this place is golden. You can order two entrees just for yourself. Excellent food. CRAP price.
(3)Marilyn C.
we went today with a groupon so we figured we would give it a try. the soups were good.. we got the baked clams which came with 6 small littleneck clams. had mostly breadcrumbs with an ok broth. we both got the branzino for our main meal. it was a nice piece of fish which was cooked well with nice crispy skins but even though we were told it was filleted, there were still alot of bones. the biggest issue was that all the food was not seasoned very well.. all very under seasoned and bland. it was an ok meal but i wouldnt go back again..
(2)Jessenia Z.
Amazing food! Completely fresh. We had the clams and it was delicious. It came with cocktail sauce, seaweed salad and Tabasco. Not usually a fan of the seaweed salad but this one was just right. They have an extensive beer menu and a great wine menu. Chef Stephen Rosenbluth was extremely personable and truly cares about his guests. He personally came over to our table more than once to check on us. Its great. We will be coming back :)
(5)Marlon F.
Great food and presentation. Had the Mako shark and I loved it. Very clean and the service is excellent.
(5)donna c.
At the suggestion of friends, my husband and I along with another couple dined at Anchor Down. It's a small, cozy restaurant known for their fish. The food was excellent as was the service. We started with the fried calamari which was very tender and served with a delicious tomato sauce and a tasty mayonaise based dip. and the bacon wrapped scallops which were also great. For dinner we had the lobster oreganata, the flounder francese over spinach and the shrimp with 'zucchini spaghetti'. Everything was outstanding. We shared the chocolate mouse cake which was yummy. Definitely will without a doubt be back and suggest you give it a try. Oh, and by the way, the eggnog martini was soooo good. I hope we can order it year-round! The tables filled up fast so call for a reservation.
(5)Ron L.
Great addition to the area...food and service are top notch! I will def be Anchoring Down again!
(5)Bill W.
Great food and service. Lobster Bisque was outstanding. As was the Chilean Sea Bass. My friend had the flounder and said it was the best he's ever had. Easy parking and seating. Highly recommend.
(5)Denise M.
Wow, love this place! The food was exceptional. It was Wine Down Wednesday so we had half price bottles of wine. Went for a friends birthday. They had fish which they said was wonderful. I had the half roasted chicken , OMG.. Crispy roasted chicken with asparagus . Our server Bev is a sweetheart. The chef/ owner Steve came out to greet our table. What a nice man. The decor is so cute and comfortable. huge bar. Outdoor seating is very cozy. I will be a return customer. Can't wait to go back
(5)Mr M.
Ok so here it goes. The food is fantastic. The prices are a little high( $28.00 for crab cake entrée?) Inside was nice but LOW ceilings. The outdoor area is small about 7 tables and is decorated with Palm trees to add a tropical feel. The only issue I really had is we weren't offered coffee or desert (now we all know that desert is the best part of the meal.) It wasn't as if the table was needed I think it was just growing pains. I did say the food was excellent? I just feel it was a little overpriced.
(3)Stacey B.
Excellent food, service and atmosphere Nice nautical decor. Our daughter got engaged a few weeks ago and we celebrated this special occasion at anchor down. The staff was very accommodating and even though every table was booked and the staff was running around they catered to our table of 15 very professionally This is a favorite spot of ours and we look forward to many more delicious meals.
(5)Jenn R.
So happy we found this place! Delicious & by far the best calamari we have had in a long time and the chopped salad was great- fun seasonal flavors in a light dressing. Lobster roll, oyster poor boy and fish and chips were perfect. Save room for dessert- the key lime pie is summer on a plate! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Erin M.
Just what the area has needed for a long time now! Excellent food and service. Fresh seafood. Lobster special was delicious, as was the asparagus appetizer. Inside was a very nice atmosphere, and the outside patio is great for a sunny day. Definitely will try take out for the boat soon.
(5)Chris W.
Tried this new restaurant and was very happy we did.. We ordered the NE Clam Chowder and fried asparagus appetizers and they were both outstanding. I ordered the swordfish special (grilled with Cajun seasonings). It was a nice size and cooked perfectly. My date ordered the Tuna which was also done to order. The live music by Barry Waller was an added bonus with nice acoustical music. We will definitely be headed here again soon.
(5)Kathy P.
My friend and I dropped our kids off at the Jones Beach theater for a concert. We were looking for a decent place, not too far away. I used the Yelp app and we found a great place. We were seated promptly and the place wasn't too crowded. For starters, we had the New England clam chowder, lobster bisque and fried Ipswich clams which were all very good. My friend and I each opted for one of the specials, Lobster Tracy which was a 1.5lb lobster, halved, oreganata style with drawn butter and spinach on the side. The lobster was cooked perfectly. For dessert, we had the Key Lime pie, carrot cake and coffee. Everything was delicious! Since we are not from the immediate area, we would return the next time we drop the kids off for a concert.
(4)Nicole N.
I went here last night with a friend for a business dinner. We were a party of 7 and seated within a few minutes of grabbing drinks at the bar. Apps: Portobello fries- served with sweet chili sauce, supper yummy. Calamari- fresh and accompanied by nice sauces. Crab cakes- served 1, very large. Comes with a delicious sauce. Oysters: we did three of each, really fresh . The kumotos were my favorite . I had the branzino, served with a chick pea salad. Fish was cooked and seasoned perfectly and the accompany of the chick peas was a perfect touch. I tried a few of my friends stuff: lobster bisque & mussels in the coconut broth. But were really good. Quaint and cozy restaurant with almost a beachy feel. Great personal service . Defiantly a hidden gem!
(4)Robin C.
I've given Anchor Down a very positive review in the past but would like to add to it. Tonight for the first time I was offered something new for Anchor Down, Home Made Dessert! They were about 4 or 5 choices, one of them being Key Lime Pie. That is the one dessert I can not or will not turn down. Well like everything else at Anchor Down it was beyond exceptional! My advice is as good as everything is at Anchor Down; save room for dessert!
(5)Abominable D.
I have to say that I'm shocked -- SHOCKED -- to see even a small scattering of one-star reviews for this place. So consider this review a free public service announcement: With all due respect, pay those one-star reviewers no mind! Whatever they said happened to them doesn't fit the the Anchor Down profile. Look for yourselves. The preponderance of five-star reviews screams volumes about what's going on here. And you do want to get in on it. Yes. You really do. We've been coming here, quite often, since it opened. Frankly, it is so damn hard to find any restaurant where the food and service is consistently great on the South Shore in Nassau County (and specifically, the stretch of coast south of Merrick Road that runs east to west from Massapequa to Merrick). And it's even harder to find one where the food and service is consistently great AND the the place is casual AND comfortable (cue up the theme from the TV show Cheers at this point, if you wish). But owner Steve and his team pull it off day after day, time and again. There are so many photos and well-deserved, in-depth, dissections of specific meals and dishes throughout all these reviews, it would be a folly (and a tad redundant) for me to attempt a detailed accounting of everything I've tried over the months. So I'll just start with the first word that comes to mind and applies across the board: Fresh. Whether it is the Malpeque Oysters and Seared Skate (my meal last night), or a Lobster, or the Steamers, or even just the Kale Caesar, the food is freshly sourced, freshly prepared, and always delicious...tasting like it should taste (not being masked by something else going on around the plate). A few months ago, when the blackboard special included the seldom seen treat of Dover Sole, Steve, while personally handling the table-side filleting, chatted about the docks in Freeport where he often (maybe always?) gets his ingredients from. Wonderful and genuine. And that brings me to a second word: Care. Nothing ever arrives to the table like an afterthought (an BIG pet peeve of mind). The Martini is mixed properly. The asparagus under the Seared Skate is cooked correctly and served warm. And back to that Kale Caesar -- it is crazy good...and that's coming from someone who isn't usually a salad guy for apps (let alone that trendy Kale stuff, which is too often something people eat because they believe it's "oh so healthy" -- but, deep down, they hate it). Everything is seasoned correctly. The only things you ever need to reach for at the table are the Tabasco and Mignonette (for Oysters) or the Clarified Butter (for Steamers and Lobster) -- the stuff you're expected to reach for! Yes, I wouldn't mind a little extra Remoulade on the Crab Cakes (and I'm certain they would accommodate such a request), but truth be told you can never give me enough mayo-based sauces with Crab Cakes or fried things. This review is long overdue. So I'll just close by saying if you haven't been here, come here. Go directly to the blackboard specials before you even look at the menu. But if you do look at the menu, don't dismiss the Sole Oreganto as ordinary, or the NY Strip as something you don't want to order in a seafood place...they are both fabulous. And then get ready to enjoy the great meal you will be served.
(5)John Q.
The waitress was very attentive more important the food was excellent we started with clam chowder it was very good followed by the mussels with curry very good also. The fish and chips were the best..... Hanger steak was okay cooked like we ordered it. Desert was excellent I will be back
(4)Shira F.
Super small, intimate, and adorable little local seafood restaurant. I was *hooked* from the moment I walked in. Okay, after that terrible joke, I'll get to the nitty gritty. The service was slow to start but once a waitress came by everything was smooth sailing. Okay okay I'll stop with the jokes. It was pretty busy on the Tuesday night I came in with my future hubby and father-in-law. We were seated at a table in the corner and perused the menu for quite some time. There were too many things on the menu I wanted to try! But after some deliberation here is what we got: My father-in-law had the shrimp poboy and loved it. My honey had the crab and corn cakes with hopping john salad and he really enjoyed it. The crab cakes were very good. I had the lobster roll. It was one of the best ones I've ever had. Huge chunks of some of the freshest lobster I've ever had. The mayo had tons of tarragon in it which made it so good. The roll was special. It reminded me of a pretzel and it held up the lobster perfectly. And the fries were on point too. I'm definitely coming back for this lobster roll as soon as possible!
(4)Michelle Y.
Cute local seafood restaurant. Not directly on the water, but still a nice outdoor seating area. My husband and I split the lobster roll and fish and chips. Fresh and filling. The waitresses were very friendly, also.
(4)Seth B.
I came to the Anchor Down with my parents over memorial day weekend and had a good experience. HISTORY: I grew up 2 blocks away from Anchor Down restaurant. Growing up, numerous restaurants tried to make it in this secluded spot and continuously failed. In my eyes, this particular piece of property was a doomed investment, but it seems the Anchor Down is here to stay. For those who don't live in the area, the Anchor Down is a few steps from the marina in the heart of South Merrick. It's kind of in the middle of nowhere which is probably why past restaurants failed, but there is something quaint and enjoyable about its residential nature (I walk my dog nearby the Anchor Down all the time) and (as mentioned) the marina and dock are just a few steps away. VENUE: I was surprised when I walked into the Anchor Down because the last time I had been inside was when it was called the "Cozy Clam." The Cozy Clam was a pretty run down place and the Anchor Down has undergone a transformation. The inside is classy and they're definitely going for a Nordic, high end theme. The restaurant is quite small with a dining room on the right side and the bar and some tables on the left side. The right side of the restaurant is kind of shabby and the roof is extremely low and awkwardly angled. The bar area is definitely more open and welcoming, but overall I would honestly call it a cozy, classy venue. THE SERVICE: The service was both good and frustrating at times. One thing that drives me insane with waiters/waitresses is when you can sense that they are more concerned about making money and upping the bill then providing a fantastic customer service experience. My parents would both disagree here (they liked our waitress) and maybe I was just in a bad mood because my Father had decided before the meal that he had wanted to give himself a haircut which is NOT a joke. My Dad may be going through a midlife crisis because he literally cut his OWN hair before we went to the Anchor Down and merely being seen in public with him was difficult. To be clear, my Father is not a barber, but a physician and quite frankly, a brilliant man. That being said, what a moron...wow. What SAVED the service was the chef coming out and speaking with us. He asked us if we enjoyed our meal, told us an interesting anecdote and was just friendly. I appreciated that and it's always nice to feel like a V.I.P. in a restaurant so, that moment offset my initial distaste for the service. THE FOOD: The one issue I have with the Anchor Down which I can ultimately look past is the pricing. The Anchor Down is quite expensive. I currently live in New York City and the prices are on par with NYC. I'm not sure if it's totally justified HOWEVER, I must say that the Anchor Down is dishing out 5 star food. We started with an appetizer crab cake. It was one, large crab cake for 13 dollars. I think that pricing is steep, but I can't refute the fact that it was excellent. For my entrée I had a special which was short rib. My Father also ordered the short rib. I was impressed with this dish. I'm basically a short rib slut and have had short rib throughout numerous NYC restaurants. While it was not the best I ever had, it was wonderfully tender and probably, the most flavorful piece of short rib I've ever had. I still remember the taste of the marinade like it was yesterday. In addition, it was a large entrée (for short rib anyway) which justified the price tag this time ($24). As a side note, this special was initially being served with cous cous however, the chef relayed his distaste for its freshness and instead served it with wasabi mashed potatoes. I actually hate wasabi so, I had fries instead, but I thought that was a cool, genuine moment of a restaurant paying close attention to detail and being sure not to serve food that is not of high quality. My Mother ordered a cheeseburger for 15 dollars. I have a tough time swallowing that price for a burger, but she has been talking about it for the last week. Lastly, for dessert we had the chocolate mousse and it was elegant. Overall: It seems the Anchor Down is picking up serious steam within the community. The venue is updated, the food is undeniably fantastic and after doing some online stalking it's clear the chef has a rich, culinary history and that experience truly shows in the food. Considering the secluded nature of this restaurant the Anchor Down is something of a gem within Merrick and if you live in the area, I absolutely think it's worth checking out. Personally, I look forward to returning. Also, as an update my Father's hair was fixed after he visited a local barber. Who doesn't love a happy ending?
(4)Jennifer C.
We were looking for a waterfront restaurant on the south shore and Anchor Down got some good reviews on Yelp, so "anchors aweigh "we went. Small place, low ceilings, intimate atmosphere. VERY loud. We sat at the bar and had cocktails (good), Lobster Bisque (outstanding ) and ordered mussels with dijon cream which came out 1 hour and 15 minutes later with curry & coconut instead. We sent it back, canceled the dinner order and asked for 2 glasses of water. My water came with a dead roach in it! Nice touch to a very unpleasant experience. We asked to see the manager and the obviously over whelmed bartender informed us that she wasn't there. On a packed Saturday night at 8:00 there is no manager in the house?? We plan on giving this place another shot because of the positive reviews previously but I think mid-week is probably a better bet.
(2)Annie A.
We were highly recommended to this restaurant and so excited to try it. But I must say this restaurant was a big disappointment! We never knew who our waiter was. Different people waited on us. The food came really late as if they forgot food for 5 people!! The baked clams were horrible...very bready. The Branzini was ridiculously tiny. No one came over to apologize for waiting an hour and a half for the main course. We'll take a pass on this one.
(1)Steve P.
Went for the first time this weekend. Small but cute inside, full bar. Had the f. Calamari and raw clams, both were fresh and very good. Loved the small seaweed salad that came with the clams. We got the pasta special, which had shrimp, was excellent, shrimp were not over cooked. Also had the lobster roll, which was very good, had plenty of lobster. The "bun" was ok, id prefer something different, but no complaints. Also had a burger which was good, fries were very good as well. We will be back
(4)Erin C.
I'm going to write what I think is a very fair review for our first experience at Anchor Down this past Saturday. I was home on Long Island for the weekend and my parents wanted a nice dinner out, on the water. Did some internet research and came across this restaurant. Hadn't heard of it before, but knew other restaurants in the area, saw good reviews, and decided to check it out. We called Saturday around noon to make a 6:30 reservation for that night. The person who answered the phone said they were "all booked up and only had outside tables left." Well, duh, who wouldn't want an outside table?? So we took it, but that comment later made sense. The restaurant is really nicely decorated in a nautical theme. I feel the need to emphasize this though - THERE IS NO WATER VIEW AT THIS RESTAURANT. I think the location and theme might be a little misleading. The outside area is great, and we were happy to sit out there with a nice breeze coming off the water - but it is an enclosed area, surrounded on all sides with a high, wooden fence. You cannot see the water, at all. On to the dining experience: We ordered drinks - a draft beer (a little on the flat side); a cosmopolitan (great) - and I ordered a "Sea Siren" which was advertised as vodka, fresh lemonade, peach schnapps and fresh mint. What arrived was a watery glass of vodka and bland lemonade with a sprig of mint as garnish. It was fine - but if you're going to advertise fancy cocktails for $12 a pop, you need to do a little better than that. For appetizers I had six oysters, which were divine. They were fresh, had all the appropriate accoutrements and I really liked that they came with a little side of seaweed salad. My dad had the crab and corn cake, which was also great - full of big pieces of crab and a really nice portion overall. My mom had the lobster bisque. It was another huge portion - a little salty but very good, and definitely had a nice flavor of sherry or some other booze which rounded it out nicely. For the main course - my dad had the local mako shark, which was a daily special and highly recommended by the waitress. He loved it! It was a really nice-sized portion of fresh fish, blackened and served with rice and burnt broccoli. He was raving about it. My mom got the sole oreganata, which was also quite lovely. In both dishes, you could tell the ingredients were fresh. As for mine, well...on the specials board was an advertisement for a 1.5 lb lobster prepared oreganata style for $30. Lobster is my favorite food but I tend to enjoy them in their purest form. So I asked the waitress if I could have the 1.5 lb lobster without oreganata and she said sure, they would make it steamed or broiled and it would "probably cost less, too." When my lobster came out it was CLEARLY not a 1.5 lb lobster. I would say it was *maybe* scraping one pound. When I took out one half of the tail it was literally about a tablespoon of meat. It was a scrawny little fella. In addition, it came with nothing but some spinach in the middle, which was all shoved into the tomalley (green gunk). I immediately ordered a side of fries, knowing I'd need more food. My mom said - "Is that lobster cooked?" It looked ok to me, but once I started eating it I realized it was underdone. By the time I got to the claws, which were the meatiest portion of the lobster, it was clear that they were raw - transparent in the middle, actually. Trying to not be a jerk, I brought this to the attention of the waitress and asked if they could throw the claw meat on the grill or something. She said they couldn't do that, and she'd compensate us in some way. So I didn't get to finish the already small lobster. Boo. When the bill came, the lobster charge was $30 (despite them saying it would be less) and they took off my $12 drink to compensate. We paid our $160 bill and left, not trying to make a stink. But realistically - the restaurant should have done more about that undercooked, small lobster. Steaming a lobster is pretty hard to mess up, and a seafood restaurant should be able to turn those out without blinking. I am still annoyed we paid $18 for a pretty crappy meal that I didn't get to enjoy. I want to make sure to mention that our waitress, Randy, was really good. She was attentive and knowledgeable and I'm sure any decisions on the food were made at the management level. So, some good, some bad. I plan to give it another try.
(3)Ed K.
Excellent. I tried some different menu items and I was very pleased. Crispy Mushrooms (my wife just loves mushrooms) were made with a wonderful "tempura" type batter that was perfect. Crispy and tasty. NOT soggy. I can't wait to try the calamari because they use the same batter. My fish & chips dinner tasted great, too. Hot and plenty to eat. I was offered sweet potato fries and I took them. Great!!!!! My wife had the braised short ribs and she had a smile on all night. Thanks for the wonderful meal. I'll be back.
(5)Ellie S.
We tried beet salad, calamari, portabello fries and two of their cocktails - all was delicious!! Outdoor patio was not at all what we expected - it's surrounded by a tall ugly fence and is quite small, not a waterfront restaurant as we thought it would be. Great service and food, but one star off for the not so great ambiance.
(4)Jean D.
Beautiful place, one of merricks hidden gems.The atmosphere is great very friendly server and knowledgeable of menu and specials.The calamari was golden and crisp and the dipping sauces great.new England clam chowder best I ever had. My main course was the bronzene, perfectly cooked and topped with a yummy caper and sundried omato caponata.The chef even came over to my table to ask how everything was , very attentive to his patrons feedback.Im a chef myself in the culinary industry over 20 years.This is by far the best meal I've had in a very long time. Jean Pierre
(5)David K.
Very small place you wouldn't notice unless you were looking for it. Down on the water in Merrick, you have to go through residential areas to find it. Excellent seafood. Priced well. Try the coconut curry mussels. Absolutely amazing. Low ceilings make you feel like you're on a boat. Great staff. Very friendly. Definitely will go back.
(5)Michael S.
I want to say thank you to the chef/owner Steve. He took care of any over charges as well as the check from my last visit. He responded as an owner should and took the feedback as a positive. I will also give his establishment another go.
(1)robin v.
We were greatly disappointed in our meal this evening! Service was reallllly bad, completely confused as to who our server was! Undercooked steamers and whole Bronzino was like 1/4 of a fish. We left hungry with three main meals ordered. Very overpriced for the portions as well.
(1)J S.
What a nice find! Went last night after reading positive Yelp reviews, while looking for a place to celebrate my mother in law's birthday with my wife. Mother in law had the New England Clam Chowder= delicious, with fresh, whole clams (thank you for giving us a taste!) Wife and I shared an order of the mussels in Thai coconut curry =a delicious departure from the common preparations we usually get at other places (white wine, garlic and butter). The waitress was kind enough to direct us that one order would be sufficient to share, and she earned big points for being right. For entrees, wife and I each got a Monk Fish special: seared perfectly, over Parmesan risotto and a lobster reduction topped with fried shaved leeks this was really phenomenal, from the perfect level of cooking to the layers of favors. I had to ask what was in the amazing lobster reduction. Apparently it's a reduction of lobster shells in sherry (and definitely a bit or two of butter). Awesome. Mother in law had the crab cakes entree with an interesting slaw. Presentation was beautiful and crab cakes were perfect. Since she's a local, my mother in law asked for a stack of business cards to hand out to friends, confirming she loved it as much as we did. We'll be back. It's a small, unassuming place with cute decorations. You'd never know it contained a sweet waitress and an amazing chef. But, now you know!
(5)Claudia S.
Came here for dinner and my first thought was how cute this little restaurant is! It is very cozy and warming - food was great, and service was relatively quick. Used a groupon and it was well worth it!
(4)Toni M.
Found this place online after looking for waterfront restaurants in my area so we got a reservation for a table outside the place is very small my husbands head literally hit the ceiling when he went to the restroom the atmosphere is nothing to brag about but the service was very nice and the food was delicious I had wedge salad which was great my husband had a shrimp cocktail which was also very good we had a few cocktails each and I ordered some shrimp in a cream sauce over zucchini pasta which was absolutely delicious my husband got a New York strip steak with asparagus which was a little over cooked but very tender and he also loved every bit of it I think originally they must have been using the outside for smokers and not really dinner service because it's not really set up with a nice view but we will definitely be going there again the prices were very reasonable and the service was great just a little tip definitely make a reservation
(4)Scott G.
I've eaten at this location since I moved around the corner in 2004. Since then it's been at least 4 different places . Finally they nailed it. Having eaten almost everything inc the menu , I can tell you I haven't had a bad meal there and some exceptional ones . The clams are amazing . I prefer them in the half shell , the Posilipo is just great , there not enough bread to suck up lol the sauce. I try a different special often and always quite happy . I'm not afraid to send anything back and do so when I'm not getting what either I ordered or its off. Steve and his very friendly crew really dies a great job. SG
(5)Henry M.
Ok so made a pitstop here in the summer for the lobster we ordered picked it up and went out on our boat all day the the lobster roll was amazing! Stopped by for long island restaurant week to see if the place was as good as the lobster roll or!if it was a fluke! (Pun intended) each course was better than the next great new england clam chowder, next i went for the cioppino everyone says i should've started with a salad i know yada yada.. I wanted soup and stew the cioppino was honestly the best ive had growing up in italian community ive had my fair share it tasted fresh and homemade like my best friend sals grandma made it and choc cake w caramel & sea salt was just the perfect icing on the cake with a lil cappuccino i was set great meal and great price
(5)Randon R.
Anchor Down has got to have the best food within a 20 mile radius of 1960 Bayberry Avenue. I'm not exaggerating! Everything on the menu is delicious. The bar is stocked (including Tito's vodka and Rum Chata, my favorites) and there's a new jukebox, connected to the internet so you can play any song you want. You can even order from the entire menu at the bar! There's no other place in Merrick I'd rather go out, especially since the bar is rarely overcrowded, but some Saturday nights there could be a crowd. Every Saturday night there is a live music act. The hostess is pretty cute too. The food is great and the staff definitely accommodates any picky eaters. There are new specials on the chalkboard every time I come in. The restaurant has changed with the seasons, the holiday decorations and fireplace add a warm touch.
(5)Susan U.
So... we had one dinner at Anchor Down probably in June 2015 and it was good. A little pricey for what it is but whatevs that doesn't bother us. We went back last night 9/5/15 and to say we were disappointed was an understatement! The chopped salad was good. Three of us ordered the tuna and asked for it medium - I personally said medium but a little "wellish" just a tad PINK. What we all received was RAW underdone tuna which went right back. Well one of our people said I'll eat it I like sushi... um this this not sushi this is grilled tuna steak my gosh!. Anyway the waitress apologizes and they take them back - when the 2 of us received the dishes back they still were not pink - mine was a shiny gray I am not kidding! Was so upset I said ok I no longer want this. They asked do you want something else and of course at this point you've lost your appetite. The 4th person in the party had crabcakes which were fine. All in all NOT a good experience and we will not be returning. Being Labor Day weekend it was not crowded so this is even more unacceptable. They did not offer a drink for our troubles either - not looking for anything free but it would have been the professional thing to do being I was really annoyed. But can you blame me? We went out for what we thought would be a nice dinner and 3 plates came out RAW. Sorry will definitely not go back.
(2)Laura L.
I came here with some friends on Saturday night and it was fantastic. The wait was a bit long but the food was awesome. Our table just decided to split some appetizers. We ordered the thai coconut curry mussels, steamers, and fried calamari. The mussels were awesome, the thai coconut curry sauce is so delicious, I just got hungry thinking about it (extra tip - dip your bread in the sauce, it's awesome). Steamers were also out of this world. The calamari was my least favorite thing, however, it was still good. I would just say the calamari was average and a little too fried. Prices are reasonable, and the three appetizers satisfied four of us. We didn't need to order main courses. I would love to come back here soon! Also, they had a man playing guitar and singing by the bar area and it was a fun atmosphere.
(4)Rose B.
We tried it again two weeks ago, and it was really good. It is close to home so we risked going in again, and brought another couple with us. We really enjoyed it. I am changing my review!
(5)Sean J.
out tonight for my mothers birthday. We were greeted right away and our table was ready right on time! The food was great with three types of oysters on the menu. I had the yellowfin tuna which was perfectly cooked. Over all a wonderful experience we will be back for sure!
(5)Howard K.
I live in the neighborhood and this is a favorite place. Steve the owner treats everyone like royalty even though this restaurant is small and friendly. A casual place to hang your hat, have a beer or 2 and relax. The bartender Shawn was making us feel right at home too. Had the hamburger last night, best I've had in a while. Last time I was here, the lobster special, simple and great food to feast on. Enjoy!
(4)Glenn H.
" Anchor Down ", Gets a BIG THUMBS UP ! I'm always excited to try a new "Seafood " restaurant, and tonight was an impeccable dining experience. I started with my usual two appetizers of Lobster bisque and Jumbo Crab Cake ( because I hate having to decide which is better ,if I have never had either at a new restaurant ). A wise decision tonight. Both equally amazing . I especially like the Remoulade , because it did not overpower the crab cake ( as sometimes they do). The bisque had nice chunks of fresh lobster meat. Great beginning to the meal. I chose one of the entrée specials, the Lobster Roll. There is nothing better than seeing the lobster , overflowing in a bun ! Not only was this a generous portion, but fresh and absolutely delicious, I don't think I have ever had better. I completed the meal with a new twist on an old favorite, Chocolate Mouse. This was a chocolate covered chocolate Mouse, resting on a bed of caramel with a hint of sea salt. The combination of the three flavors was incredible. Add in excellent and convivial service from Zach, and you have a perfect dining experience. To Steve, the Owner/ Chef ( who was kind enough to stop by our table), I wish you much success, but I don't think you'll need it, the food will call patrons back here ,again and again. 8-24-14 A second visit today only confirmed my first visit, amazing seafood ! Today,in addition to having the best Lobster roll anywhere, I tried for an appetizer the cold Seaford salad (Mussels,Clams & Calamari ) the seafood was like "butter", that's how you know its fresh ! This place is a must if you haven't eaten here yet.
(5)Sheila R.
ok so I'm a tough customer and this place has hit it out of the park on all aspects. the space is cozy nautical and clean, so very clean (the JAP in me). The food is far more metropolitan than I had ever expected or had while visting the in laws (they dock in the marina located out back), the chef was mingling with diners and when he stopped by us, he intimated to us that he worked as a chef in manhattan for years, explains the level of service and the quality/ the preparation of the menu items. The lobster roll was to die for.. i didn't drink but my hubby said the drinks were spot on, I'm thinking the staff is city trained four star service staff my waitress was sweet, professional and knowledgeable. I ask a lot of questions (JAP again) she had all the answers, not the usual teenage mom or college pothead servers you get on the island....highly recommended!!!
(5)D K.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! We celebrated the night with a pre-fix dinner Menu. The restaurant was 100% full all at one time and that is not easy for a kitchen to handle. Our server took our orders and within minutes food was flowing. My wife had the shrimp cocktail, shrimp were cold and crisp as they should be. I had the bacon wrapped scallops, the scallops where nice and sweet and the bacon was oh so good For the main we both had the fillet minion. Cooked and seasons perfectly. Our friends had the lobster and also were very pleased. Small pastries were put on the table for dessert for all to share, they were adequate and not exceptional All in all we had a great meal and great night with our friends. I will 100% come back to this place Happy New Year!!!!
(5)Becca G.
Words can not express how pleased I have been with ALL of my Anchor Down experiences. First off, they take reservations, even for parties of 2, which is a total score! They offer both inside and outdoor seating (sometimes with live music). I ALWAYS start with the chopped salad (YUM) and have been on the crab cake kick lately. The crab cake is a true lump crab cake (not filled with fillers). Earlier this year, I enjoyed a shrimp special and approached the owner to see when it would be coming back. To my surprise, he told me just to inform him when I would be and he would make it happen! Talk about incredible customer service! The entire Anchor Down staff aims to please and make it a pleasant experience. I even recently went with a friend who has a tricky food allergy (and sometimes finds it hard to eat out) and she commented on how seriously they took her allergy AND how yummy the food was. During restaurant week, the portions were generous and there was a beautiful selection of choices! If you have not already tried this gem, please add it to your summer to do list...you won't be disappointed.
(5)Debra F.
Debra F., This is a lovely restaurant where all, the hostess, server, and the chef, extended themselves in a caring and very hospitable way. They all aimed to please, and they succeeded immensely. The food was delicious, the ambience cosy, warm, and romantic. I loved my dinner of salmon fillet and quinoa with a creamed spinach side. My husband enjoyed his appetizer of spicy tuna roll , and a very nicely prepared chopped salad with salmon. The restaurant may be small, but it is huge in attentiveness and eagerness to please. I highly recommend it, and we will be returning in the near future.
(5)Janet G.
This was the first time to the restaurant and was so pleased. The atmosphere was charming and warm and the staff could not have been nicer. The chef also came around to the tables to see how everything was. We shared the chopped salad which was delicious and our entries were the seared tuna and grilled salmon. Both were fantastic. It's a great place and we can't wait to go back!
(5)Phil S.
My wife like her chopped salad and her shrimp cocktail. My muscles were good but my calamari was not. Not sure if this is the norm but calamari was very chewy. Decor outside is nothing special and there is no view of the water.
(3)Jim E.
Excellent excellent dinner tonight. Fried calamari was fresh and not chewy. I had the Thai coconut muscles and they were very very good but the topper was the bronzino. Outstanding! Everything everyone ordered was delicious. Very nice, quiet friendly restaurant. Only thing keeping then from 5 stars was the men's room wasnt the cleanest and we were the only ones in there. No reason this couldn't be cleaned. But if they do, I see no reason for not giving 5 stars. We will be back again. I'll just pee before lol ;-)
(4)C B.
This place is a hidden gem, Went there with a party of 6 and everything we ordered was outstanding. The lobster bisque was outstanding and the raw oysters were so fresh. Service was great as well. Took the food a little while to come out but it was worth the wait. Will definitely be back.
(5)Kristen M.
Everything was absolutely delicious! Staff was extremely attentive, the hostess Erin was a sweetheart. Definitely recommend the mussels and the lobster roll. Will be back with a larger party!!
(5)Emily T.
I ate here when they first open and spent a year abroad--I came back and WOW. They really made the place a LOT more homier and quaint over the year... Cute decorations, intimate atmosphere, brand new outside patio which I plan to have an evening dinner on. I came and ordered the bisque at the bar--Chef Steve is on his game as always! Favorite place to go for seafood on Long Island. Great food, great service. Can't wait to come back--5 stars all around.
(5)Jaclyn W.
Cozy nautical spot with unique menu options. Blackened swordfish was delicious and the iceberg wedge is a must for that heavenly blue cheese dressing! Attentive service as well
(5)Jamessina h.
Close to home, on the water and live entertainment makes Anchor Down perfect for cocktails with the moms or date night. Sangria was lovely and the chocolate cake was decadent. Must return for the seafood, I've heard people raving! Love this spot for cocktails and a great time!
(5)Maria K.
I don't want to write this because want to save this place for me. I loved how cozy, warm and nice everyone was. I dislike franchise restaurants and hope that more of these smaller places continue to thrive. So the long story short is that it's chef owned which means the foods great and the chef scopes the place out while you're enjoying your fare. Read more if u want the longer version... I am a baked clams fan and I like them whole, chopped and everything in between. I thoroughly enjoyed mine in that they were little necks and had casino style chopped sweet red peppers in them. Very nice. Fish and chips were thick crusty and not greasy. I don't know what french fries the chef uses, but for (I'm guessing) frozen fries, they were really delicious. Our calamari appetizer was not greasy at all and the marinara sauce was light and bright. Very yummy. I'm saying everything out of order but I have to even mention the bread and butter. It was hot and crusty and the accompanying herbed butter was rather irresistible. My entree was a special request and it came out perfectly. I do however have a minuscule criticism. It was zucchini linguine with shrimp and there were tiny grape tomatoes (uncooked) tossed in there for color I suppose. I picked them all out. They were rather boring. Even if they were slightly sautéed or roasted perhaps I would have eaten them. No dessert cause we were stuffed but it was a wonderful meal and I'll be back. Thanks for gracing the neighborhood with your presence! The waitstaff and bartenders were all fantastic as well. I hope this place "Anchors Down" for years to come.
(5)Scott M.
As the proud member of select fine dining group, I had the pleasure to dine at the Anchor Down on Thursday. All I can say is that the chef Steve is a genius. In both preparation and presentation, not to mention its all very delicious. From the freshest seafood- clams, oysters, calamari to speciality item like Lobster Tracey and Shrimp with Black Bean sauce to their prime meats from a local source Surburbia Meats. Whether you live around the corner or have to travel from NYC this is a must visit.
(5)Brad R.
Whatever this small restaurant pumps out of the kitchen is first rate, locally and freshly sourced, and expertly prepared by the head chef/owner that has an incredibly deep New York City restaurant resume as a head chef. In all candor, the cast iron pan seared salmon over quinoa looked like it came out of a Food and Wine magazine photo shoot and tasted better than any salmon that I have had ANYWHERE. Perfection on a plate. Fresh shucked oysters along with Long Island's own ice cold Blue Point Lager, together with creamed spinach to die for, made for an outstanding meal. While "fish-centric" offerings are abundant, there are plenty of delicious non seafood items as well. Steak, gourmet burgers, chicken, daily blackboard specials and that heavenly fish, make for a feast no matter what you're craving. Wish they would put a few pastas on the menu and I am sure Chef Steve can make one helluva lobster mac'n cheese! Please show us!
(4)Brian Z.
Had a bad experience at Anchor Down. Previously wrote a bad review. Decided to take that review down for the time being as the owner called me to apologize and wants to do the right thing. Will go back there again and give the owner the benefit of the doubt. Will update review after and hopefully I can write a 5 star review.
(3)Kathy M.
First time there, delicious food, very generous pours on the wine. Nice and quiet, great atmosphere! We had a fabulous waiter and the chef came out to ask how everything was, very impressed that he truly is interested in your dining experience, will definitely be going back there again!! Truly a hidden gem!!!
(4)David F.
awesome menu , very fresh seafood. i had the lobster for 25 bucks , and i couldn't finish it, had to be more than 1 1/2 lbs....and my three kids loved it too
(5)Derek H.
It was just ok. Paid way too much money for a mediocre meal. I could have gone to a much better restaurant for what I spent there.
(3)G S.
Yummy!! Good service and really good food. Had the kale salad and grilled Bronzino....the dressing on the Bronzino with capers and sundried tomato was so tasty! Just a little to much olive oil, will ask for it a little drier next time
(5)Michael O.
This place is great!!! Seafood was fresh and prepared wonderfully. The Blackened Mahi Mahi was outstanding. As for the other reviews that state that the menu is overpriced, I'd have to disagree. While Anchor Down may not be the least expensive restaurant in the area, they do provide an excellent meal at a reasonable price. We are not getting crap steaks or cheap pasta dishes, you are getting high quality seafood dishes at a fair price. I had a great meal and will continue to recommend Anchor Down to anyone looking for a great seafood restaurant in the area.
(5)Allie M.
Went to Anchor Down about two weeks ago with my husband after reading all about it in the local newspapers. Pros: The food is really good. The crab cake appetizer was really delicious and the accompanying sauce was on the money. My mahi mahi appetizer was very good and my husband's Ritz cracker stuffed shrimp were buttery and delicious. Cons: The entrees don't really come with a "side" - you have to pay extra for things you might expect to be included like fries or spinach. The service was incredibly slow, our crab cake appetizer came out in what felt like seconds and then it took a good half hour after that to get our entrees. The prices are STEEP in comparison to the portions you are receiving, especially for the appetizers. Lastly, this is not a "waterfront dining" restaurant (and in all fairness I'm not sure if they really claim to be or not) but I was expecting it to be and it's not - the outdoor seating area is not waterfront and is basically a smaller fenced in portion of the adjacent boatyard. Instead, we ate inside where the ceilings are rather low and kind of claustrophobic feeling. We are planning on trying The Boathouse around the corner to compare and then decide from there which will be our local seafood joint.
(3)Helen P.
On my first visit I had the fish and chips......Hands down it was the BEST I've ever had. Having a family from Great Britain I've had my fair share of fish and chips and this by far has been one of the best. My husband had the lobster roll...OMG! Delicious, a full lobster goes into one sandwich which will leave you full and satisifed. Love the new decor and owners, wish them the best. I will be back.
(5)