ZZ's Clam Bar is hands down one of my favorite spots in the city. I've been here a handful (10+) times and the food and drinks make me happy every time.
Ambiance / Decor
If you've read my previous reviews of Major Food Group restaurants, you'll know that I've said this countless times before but I always love the setting and ambiance of their restaurants. I usually go to ZZ's on Fridays or Saturdays (because I have a boring corporate job) and they are always playing Latin/Salsa music, momentarily taking you to another setting. It's a small intimate joint with good food, drinks, and music.
The space is very intimate with ~14 seats total and ~9 for dining, but yet it feels spacious. It's got that quirky yet very classy decor where details matter and are appreciated. I absolutely love the crystal chandelier, clean-cut marble tables, and Seafood display by the bar filled with fruits and tropical plants. It's a rare establishment where they got all three right, by all three I'm referring to food, decor/ambiance, and service.
Food
The food is great. Really unique flavors and excellent presentation. They take seafood to another level. It's like designer seafood.
1) Uni toast—Each order comes with two small pieces, but so worth it. Fresh uni served on a buttery soft pretzel toast with chives. It's mouthwatering. I absolutely recommend.
2) Scottish Salmon—The salmon paired with honey mustard is also really good. It's much more simple and goes well together with toast.
3) Chanina Beef Carpaccio, Uni, Lobster and Caviar—I don't know why, but this odd combination just works. It's fresh, heavy (in a good way), and tasty with pieces of lightly buttered toast. Just get it and don't look back.
4) Oysters—You can't go wrong with oysters. They are fresh and delicious!
Drinks
The drinks are absolutely some of the best in the city. I think for $20 it's worth it because you can go to some shitty bar/club/lounge and pay about the same for a shitty drink. I'd rather come here for some hand-crafted drinks where the aesthetics are on point and get a nice Instagram photo. The drinks are also very strong, relative to their peers. For example, you go to some subpar club/lounge/bar and you order a shitty vodka soda, that'll cost you $15-20 and won't even get you buzzed. I'm light weight but I'm not THAT light weight, after 1.5 drinks at ZZ's I'm feeling pretty good.
1) Pistachio—This is my absolute favorite drink! It tastes like dessert with pistachio bits here and there. It is not too sweet and strong enough to get your heart pumping.
2) Cilantro—If you are in the mood for something spicy, then this is the drink for you. It has a nice kick if you aren't afraid of spices. It's served literally in a long pepper where the insides are used in the drink.
3) Coconut—An aesthetically pleasing drink. What's not to like about drinking out of a smoking coconut? It's super fun and picturesque!
4) Carcao—If you are in the mood for something super fruity and tropical yet strong. This is the perfect drink. It tastes really light, refreshing and fruity but is strong and effective. It's also served in vintage Star Wars cups.
Price
No doubt it's pricey for the average person. But, nonetheless, definitely worth it. It's one of those places you come to on a quarterly basis. I would estimate at least ~$150 per person for a full meal and a drink or two.
Reservation
I think one or two weeks in advance will suffice. They only accept reservations 2 weeks in advance I believe.
Pistachio
Uni Toast
Chianina Beef, Uni, Lobster and Caviar
Key Lime Pie
Carcao
Scallops, Pistachio, Brown Butter
Scottish Salmon
Carpaccio, Tuna, Foie Grois, Bone Marrow
Coffee, Coconut
Carrot, Pistachio