Bayside Bar & Grill: Simply Good

I have gone to the Bayside a few times, originally just for drinks at happy hour and something quick to nosh on like fries, but then I started to branch out to their food menu and started going there for lunch. 

Located on the waterfront in Keyport, The Bayside is a two-floor bar and grill with an outside upper deck area. This is the only place I have sat when I have gone there, and there is an amazing view of the water and NYC. 

The ambiance in general is that of a casual bar but nice outdoor setting and breeze from the water. I had never really experienced the social aspect of Keyport before, but I think this bar and grill has one of the best spots in town because of the view, and I have never been there without having an incredibly polite and efficient bartender or server. 

The most recent time I went there, I ordered the chicken capri foccacia sandwich, grilled chicken with fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, basil, balsamic olive oil reduction, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles, served with boardwalk style fries (which are amazing, espeicially if crispy). I have also had the Southern Chicken, grilled chicken on a roll with cajun spices, pepper  jack cheese, spicy mayo, and the traditional lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles and served with the same fries.

For fish lovers, they have a fried flounder sandwich, and for meat lovers a Homestyle Grilled Marinated London Broil topped with mushroom, onion, and horseradish sauce. They have seven different types of burgers to chose from: Bayside, Traditional, California, Bacon Cheese, Bacon Blue, BLT, and the Lumberjack (over the top combination of Angus beef topped with grilled pork roll and American cheese).

They, of course, have traditional bar appetizers as well, fried calamari, coconut shrimp, jalapeno poppers, sliders, zucchini sticks, etc.  This is definitely the place to go if you are on a budget but want decent bar food and affordable drinks — with a killer view.  

Simple, but never disappointing. The also have a rotating entree menu as well.  They offer drink specials, have a Members Club, and will have some live music lined up for the winter. But for now, if it's a really nice day and you want to drink beer outside, go there and get lunch. You may stay longer than you planned.

Visit www.baysidebarandgrill.com or just pop in on a nice day at happy hour.