KRISTY’S KORNER: Raw Bar… Ocean Street & Mashpee…
Celebrating their 30th Year in business (Mashpee location) the Raw Bar is one of those places not to miss eating at this summer. From Bill Costa (TV Diner), Food and Wine Magazine, WCVB, The Phantom Gourmet, Boston Magazine, and Cape Cod Life, the Raw Bar has consistently been voted for Best Lobster Roll in New England.
The original Raw Bar location in Mashpee is at the Popponesset Marketplace, across the street from the Popponesset Inn. Definitely no-frills (paper plates and cups) but if the seafood is what you are after it’s fresh and reasonably priced. The bar scene here can get a bit rowdy and crowded on the weekends, but if you can get through the bar area, the outside area offers a number of picnic tables where you can sit and eat. The Raw Bar can be a little tricky to find, so it’s probably best to go with someone who has been there before (or get really great directions). Bob’s Seafood Cafe sits right next to it which offers more open sitting and a small area where you can hear live music and entertainment on the weekends in the summer. Popponesset Marketplace offers several small shops that you can browse through and add to the whole experience of the location.
The Raw Bar added their “sister” location a few years back on Ocean Street in Hyannis near the busy HyLine Ferry. The two locations couldn’t be any different. The Hyannis location is upbeat with attentive waitresses and bar staff. When you go, opt to sit upstairs in the patio area. In the summer months it is warm, but breezy, and it offers people watching in one of the prime restaurant spots in Hyannis Harbor. For many this location is now the favorite since it’s in a busy, easier, more central located area and you can pop in quick for lunch or grab a drink before you get on the ferry. I find that it’s also a place you can see more of the “local” crowd and be dressed a little less “preppy” than at the New Seabury location.
Both Raw Bar locations serve their lobster roll in 2 sizes but I have never ordered the smaller version or even wanted to share the larger…because it’s SO amazing!!! I also love the onion rings, they are beer battered, delicious and a great side for your roll! The Raw Bar also has a pretty extensive drink menu, as well as, beer and wine. There are hot dogs, chicken wings, stuffed quahogs, clams, chowder, oysters, shrimp and corn on the cob. I have never heard of anyone leaving hungry or disappointed.
I suggest going as much as you can during the summer since the season in both locations is short and our Cape Cod winter months seem especially long without having the “Best Lobster Roll” on the planet. Each year my boyfriend and I count down the days in the Spring when we can once again enjoy the simple greatness!!! I have been known to take-out a roll and sneak it in to the movies…I mean, why not enjoy the most amazing food while everyone else is eating popcorn and candy for hours!!
The Raw Bar is in the running for our Cape Cod’s Best Restaurant Search Summer 2014…try it out and let me know what YOU think! They will need your vote to win!!! Cheers!
6/3/2014
Kristy’s Korner
by Kristy Spinelli, spinelliscoop@hotmail.com
Kristy is a local writer and Hyannis News contributor. Her views, opinions, and observations will deal with a wide range of topics surrounding our local HyTown culture. Kristy’s views do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Hyannis News, but in the true spirit of freedom of expression are intended to entertain and create discussion. Feel free to add your own thoughts in the facebook comment section below… or you may also contact Kristy directly at spinelliscoop@hotmail.com.
P.S. — Today’s Kristy’s Korner is brought to you by the B-52’s… [Rock it]
