The much-anticipated opening of Deck 84 is this weekend, and I am here to report it is worth all the hype. The space in the old Busch’s location is just what we needed – indoor bar and dining and outdoor deck bar plus plenty of waterfront (yes! waterfront!) dining. Note: fire pit is on the way, which will be way cool. There is also the helpful fish cleaning station on the dock for those who arrive by sea –
with the dinner they caught that day.
As for the food, Burt Rapoport and his chef Chuck Gittleman do not disappoint. The menu is in the casual-but-really-well-done-comfort-food category with all your faves: fall-off-the-bone ribs, seared tuna, perfect fried chicken, sliders, skirt steak, fish tacos, delicate popcorn shrimp, salads, mahi – everything done to the Rapoport standards of excellence you just expect these days. There are also a few ingenious rum cocktails worth a sip or two. I am not normally a dessert girl, but I suffer on occasion for my craft – and I suggest you do too – the tiramisu ice cream sandwich is wicked good.
But I have to go back to the place. I am so happy to have a place on the water that is affordable – with great food. You can watch the bridge open. You are at the other end of Atlantic from all the hype. It feels as if we have a new neighborhood spot, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Give it a whirl – just save me a seat at the deck bar.
