Restaurant Of the Week | On The Deck

Being in the restaurant/hospitality industry as long as I have, I always want to see local restaurants not just survive, but thrive.  With that being said, On The Deck Restaurant & Bar, would not be one of the best reviews I have ever given.

 As my family and I entered the On The Deck Restaurant And Bar, we were greeted by a friendly host, who sat us immediately.  As we walked to our table, I could not help looking at the view from the outside seating.  By the way...this is what you are paying for.  A beautiful skyline view of New York City,  However, our table was inside, but that was fine, we took the table that was available. 

 Our server, was extremely upbeat and accommodating. Being the foodies, that we are, we decide to order 4 different appetizers.  This way, we could get a taste of everything.  Our server recommended the Lobster and Crab Cake Sliders.  So we ordered that and three others.  This might have been a mistake. 

 Our appetizers came out, fairly quickly, which we were happy about.  The first thing I tried was the servers recommendation, the Lobster and Crab Cake Sliders,  I have to tell you, they were fantastic.  So good, that it was a shame that they were sliders.  Being served without the roll, would have just been as good, if not better.  But, On The Deck,  this is where my great comments end. 

 The next appetizer I went for was the Mussels In White Wine And Garlic.  As I pulled a mussel from the bowl, I noticed the white wine garlic broth, was thick and lumpy.  To my eyes...this does not look right.  I attempted to eat the mussel...but could not.  It was mushy.  I immediately made the girls put the mussels down that they were about to eat, and called the server over.  She took them back to the kitchen, and placed a different appetizer order in for us.  By the way, this would be no better. 

 Meanwhile, we continued to try and eat the other appetizers we ordered.  The Calamari was not edible.  I am saying this because it was impossible to chew...compare it to a large piece of rubber in your mouth.  The Chicken Tender Appetizer, I specifically asked if it was hand breaded on the premises, which I was told it was.  Now, I know the difference.  This was not breaded on the he premises. And, I find it difficult to screw up an item that is coming out of the fryer.  But, congratulations, they did just that. 

Our replacement appetizer came out, this was some type of Spinach and Artichoke Dip.  It is pretty bad, when your child says it smells like the buttered popcorn at the movie theater. And to my surprise, she was right!  But, I am sure the chef could answer why it smells this way!  By the way...it did not taste like the movie theater popcorn, it was much worse.

 In conclusion, I think this is a great place to have a cocktail.  Enjoy the outside seating on the deck.  Take in the amazing view of NYC.  For, that is what you are paying for.  Then, move on to a restaurant that cares about the food they place in front of their customers.  It is not just about the money, but the food quality too.  I am hoping that On The Deck Restaurant And Bar will remember that.  Until then...