Photography by Laura Wiegmann
It was a summery-yet-blustery May evening when our party of four—me, wife Kathy, friend and What’s Up? Media COO Ashley, along with her beau Paul—drove through the countryside to the West River waterfront and Pirates Cove Restaurant. It’s been a long spell since I last ventured into the quaint nautical village for some sunset respite, good eats, and company, but we found the restaurant very welcoming upon our return and most accommodating.
We had our choice of dining indoors or out on the expansive dock and, despite an east wind gusting 10-plus knots at times, chose a table outdoors with panoramic views of Galesville harbor and the river that stretches straight into the Chesapeake Bay. Here, on bustling weekends and evenings, the dock bar also is open and serves a good time for thirsty patrons. Our visit was a calm weekday—relaxing with on-point service and few distractions. When the weather is as beautiful as it was for us, this is the spot to herald the sunshine season. Bring on summer!
To go along with the summer vibes, the four of us ordered a round of bevvies—a Corona NA with lime wedge that could easily pass for the real deal, fresh iced tea, an orange crush, and a Hugo Spritz signature cocktail (prosecco splashed with elderflower liqueur, club soda, and mint). All refreshing starters. Glasses were clinking and clanking—cheers! The beverage menu is well-stocked with creative cocktails, mocktails, margaritas, spritzes, wines for every palate, and beers (including four NA options).
Onward with several appetizers we ordered: a brothy bowl of steamed mussels served with a piping baguette for sauce sopping; seared slices of ruby red ahi tuna seasoned with Japanese togarashi spice blend; one bowl of the house cream of crab soup (smooth ’n rich with lump); and another bowl mixed 50/50 with the cream of crab and spicier Maryland-style crab soup (best of both worlds with each spoonful!). This round of bites was perfectly prepared, shared, and enjoyed—and because it was happy hour, prices were softened a touch. Nice.
Photography by Laura Wiegmann
Moving into our entrée selections, we all agreed that seafood was what we were there for, and Pirates Cove covers all bases with Bay and Sea options offered in a variety of presentations—there’s even an exclusive menu section devoted to Maryland-sourced blue crab. I chose the Grilled Seafood Ceasar salad, which offered a morsels of the wonderful seared tuna, plump shrimp, and large sea scallops set within a bowl of chopped romaine lettuce, buttery croutons, and a classic dressing that mixed and coated all participating ingredients evenly. Rounding out the table’s selections, we had the Gabby Crabby (lump blue crab, tomato slice, and melted Muenster cheese atop an English muffin = yummy fun), Flounder Rockefeller (the renown spinach and bacon filling set on a flounder filet, broiled, and finished with a seafood cream sauce = divine), and the Fish and Chips (made with fresh striped bass, hand dipped, and fried golden = a fine version of the classic pub fare). We were all smiles, savored every bite, and cleaned our plates.
Photography by Laura Wiegmann
Room for dessert? You bet. We ordered a couple shareable slices of pie—the Key Lime and Apple a la Mode—that were absolutely spot-on, delicious versions. Plus, we had to try the made-to-order Beignets, sprinkled with powder sugar and served with raspberry sauce. If Heaven has a house-dessert, this might be it; the puffy, doughy Beignets dipped in the fruity syrup were simply that good.
Photography by Laura Wiegmann
On such a sweet note, we ended our meal with server Olivia, who promptly accommodated our payment. She was excellent all evening, as was the mood, food, and atmosphere. For a late-spring outing, Pirates Cove fit the bill in welcoming the warm season ahead with its nautical ambiance that offers as much class as it does fun.
Pirates Cove Restaurant & Dock Bar | 4817 Riverside Drive, Galesville • 410-867-2300 • piratescovemd.com
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