Sandbar
55 Main Street
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
(631) 498 – 6188
sandbar@lessings.com
$$$$
Nestled in the small and quaint town of Cold Spring Harbor, NY is a restaurant called Sandbar. The moment that you enter Sandbar, you know that you are somewhere very special. The restaurant is warm yet very elegant. The walls are white with high ceilings that have thick dark wood beams and brass globe chandeliers that are breathtakingly beautiful. The tables are sleek wood simplify done, which are sleek and elegant. The chairs are either wood or leather and they work very well together in the room. The white wood shutters adds a dramatic flare to the room and the best is the beautiful fireplace at the end of the room.
Our server introduced himself and offered us menus and a wine list. As we glanced the menu, we were offered either tap or sparkling water. The menu is eclectic and seasonal. With a wide array of choices, there is something for everybody. For our cocktail we ordered the Sound, which has gin, lime, basil, and mint. It was refreshing and delicious. We started with the Sandbar Salad with warm goat cheese. The salad was lovely with a champagne and dijon mustard vinaigrette that was very tasty. For the appetizer we had the chicken special. A lovely chicken breast with a pecan coating served over broccoli rabe and homemade spaetzle. The chicken was succulent and very moist, the broccoli rabe was cooked to perfection, and the spaetzle just divine. Our first entree was the seared scallops with wild mushroom risotto. The scallops were so tender and the wild mushroom risotto was cooked to a perfect al dente. The raclette cheese just melted into the risotto making it even creamier. The second entree was the 12oz dry aged NY strip steak, with creamed spinach and steak fries. The steak was outstanding. it was so tender, just incredible. The steak fries were crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. The creamed spinach was wonderful as well. For dessert, we had the ginger almond tart with caramel whipped cream, the chocolate tart with walnut whipped creme, and the ricotta donuts with chocolate, caramel and pumpkin anglaise. The ginger almond tart was loaded with flavor. The tart was splendid. The chocolate tart was intense with rich chocolate, and the ricotta donuts were heavenly, both light and delicate. Each sauce was superb and heightened the flavor combination of the sauce and donuts.This was a treat.
A review of a restaurant could not be complete without a mention of the service. The service at Sandbar was impeccable. Starting with the hostess who sat us, the waiter who served us and the other wait staff that were there to help clear were unbelievable. Our waiter was amazing. He knew the menu by heart and the perfect dishes to recommend. We had a chance to taste different dishes that showcased the wonderful offerings at Sandbar. The general manager was awesome. He was engaging and very accommodating to our needs. Sandbar is a must try to the folks living in the Long Island community and a definite must try to visitors looking for truly fine dining in Cold Spring Harbor, NY.