THE DOCK in MONTAUK

Quite simply, the best bar in Montauk. For many years I was partial to the legendary Shagwong on Main Street, but I've had terrible luck there lately. Rude staff, bad service, worse food, and a strange cliente of undesirables at the bar has soured me on the place.

The Dock is located at the Montauk Harbor, next to Gosman's. It's a saloon and restaurant, and decorated with stuffed animals, snarky signs, and quirky conversation pieces. Lights are low. One TV, in the corner, and out of sight. Music is great, and low. I love this place. The proprieter and head bartender, George Watson, is a former NYC cop and firefighter with a big attitude and even bigger wit. He loves to tell stories, trade insults, and mix it up with the mostly blue-collar crowd. The draft beer is always fresh, and every glass is chilled before the drink is poured. Every glass! I don't know of any bar alive that still does that. George's son Chris also works at The Dock in the kitchen and occasionally behind the bar. Great guy with the same sense of humor as his Dad.

The food is solid pub food with some interesting daily specials, mostly featuring local seafood. The Dock is very popular with local fisherman, so I presume what they are serving is as fresh as it can get. But The Dock is for drinking and atmosphere, and that's enough for me.