4. Mama's on the Half Shell

I love the bartenders at Mamma's. They are always busy but are friendly to talk to and I have never had a problem getting a drink there. Try their Bloody Mary's.

I was Really hoping that this would be a great little seafood eatery, the kind that other reviewers stated it was. However, my experience there left me disappointed and definately thinking we made the drive for nothing. I got the crab cake, which I tend to do at these places and it was good, though it had lots of shell (an unusual amount, and others at the table agreed). Accomplanying the crab cake were mashed potatoes - I definately wouldnt recommend these - they were hard, cold and bland - reminiscent of grade school cafeteria food. The worst part was our server, who was no where to be found most of the evening until he brought the bill by, then he stopped by three minutes later and actually ASKED if we were 'done with the bill'. Having been a server before I found this pretty appalling. Overall, sounds like a great place - I just hope your food and service is better than hours.

Food is excellent in this "seaport tavern" atmosphere--a rolicking loud place with great seafood and raw bar--nicely decorated with paraphernalia from the Bay's history as a waterman's mecca. Definitely sit upstairs to eat--most nights there will be a wait for the dining room but the bar is always impossibly crowded (both good signs!) I have met friendlier bartenders other places in town, but they make a great bloody marys.