The Black Bull Tavern - Rockland

Ordnete Hummer Bisque/Chowder and a Prime Rib. The lobster bisque was actually quite good, although something on the thin side. The rib and the accompanying vegetables were, on the other hand, pitiative. The meat was overcooked and over as tasty as a McDonald's Hamburger Pattie actually, I think the burger would win in this competition. I suspect that a poor cut, thin cut, completely absent from any season, and a good amount of overcooking were thrown into the factors, which was a total disappointment. In addition, the service of the food quality was exhaustive. The place was practically empty and we had to get our server for check-out as if we had a taxi in La Guardia during the rush stop! To eliminate everything, a view of the menu shows a rather disturbing situation. Here in Rockland, we are just steps from one of the largest lobster and seafood fields on the eastern shore of the lake. You would think that with such access to the raw materials there would be a wide selection of seafood on the menu of this restaurant guess again. Overall, this restaurant had little to offer in terms of food quality, service, atmosphere or value. How it can remain in business, let alone thirst is really a secret for me.

Moreover, the service matched the quality of the food—pathetic. The restaurant was nearly empty, yet we still had to flag down our server for the check, as if we were trying to catch a taxi at LaGuardia during rush hour! Additionally, one look at the menu reveals a concerning situation. Living in Rockland, we are just steps away from one of the largest lobster and seafood landing sites on the East Coast. You would expect a restaurant in this location to offer a wide variety of seafood, but that was not the case here. Overall, this restaurant had little to offer in terms of food quality, service, atmosphere, or value. It's a mystery to me how it can remain in business, let alone succeed.

Let’s be clear, though—this isn’t fine dining, and you won’t find frog legs here; it’s still a tavern. What you will find is one of the best burgers in town, and I personally enjoy the fish and chips. It’s true that the selection of seafood isn’t as extensive as at some other local spots, but considering the abundance of seafood restaurants—some good, some not—in the area, this place offers a reasonably priced, unpretentious alternative for those of us locals who could go without seeing another fish or lobster. I should also mention that they recently launched a new menu that upholds their tradition of excellence. I highly recommend this restaurant, and given that I know the only five-star resort in the area, I'm confident that someone is doing things right here.

Don't set your expectations for fine dining—there are no frog legs on the menu—this is still a tavern at heart. But what you will find are some of the best burgers in the city, and I personally love their fish and chips. It's true that their seafood selection isn't as extensive as in some other local restaurants, but they offer a nice variety of dishes that cater to those looking to switch things up. For locals like me, who often overlook seeing the same fish or lobster repeatedly, it’s refreshing to have a place that feels laid-back and affordable. I should also mention that they recently launched a new menu that upholds their tradition of excellence. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant; it stands out in an area where five-star options can sometimes feel disconnected from what people want.