The Oyster and Clam Bar at the Bruynswick Inn — Restaurant in Town of Shawangunk

My wife and I visited this place for dinner recently. I want to give a fair review and explain why I'm giving one star. The first thing I noticed is that the parking lot is too small for the number of painted spaces. More on this later. The entrance is around a sharp bend in the road and one should be very careful when entering and exiting. When we entered the restaurant, the greeter surmised who we were despite this being our first time. That was nice. Things went downhill from there. We were seated at the front in an area that was uncomfortably chilly. Our server was brand new to the place. She asked for sympathy as it was her first day. My one star rating is not reflective of her. However, the lack of supervision relates to her problems. We ordered drinks, which took a very long time to arrive. Twice our server told us that she would bring out some bread. With the drinks, we ordered a charcuterie board for an appetizer. That arrived before the bread. When the bread finally came, we were told that it took a while because it was in the oven. It seemed that the cooking staff was the issue, as they could only find two buns to serve after an unreasonable amount of time. More on the cooking staff to come. My wife had a cocktail, which was very good. I had a draft beer, which was served in a smaller glass than is typical. My wife ordered the fish of the day, which was salmon. I ordered a scallop entree. We were told that both were served with a vegetable side. We both chose to add fries to our orders. My wife chose the parmesan fries, and I had the truffle oil fries. When the entrees arrived, only hers included a vegetable. My scallops were just warm. Her dish turned cold quickly. Her salmon was so overcooked that it crumbled into tiny dried out bits. I need to remind all that this is a seafood restaurant. Both of our fries looked identical. I tasted no hint of truffle oil. The fries were the only thing that was hot. Aside from some sprinkled cheese and some green garnish, nothing was special about them. I've had plain diner fries that were superior. By the time the server came around again, I had nearly finished my meal, but my wife couldn't eat hers. We informed the server, who became a bit flustered, and said that she would inform the owner. The owner came by and took my wife's entree off the bill. She offered us free dessert, but we chose against it. I feel that it is important to point out that this restaurant shows off as a upscale dining establishment, which is exemplified by its prices. Two weeks before we dined at a place in Woodstock that is operated by a culinary graduate. We had one dozen oysters, two drinks, two entrees, and two desserts. We received one dessert for free as it was my wife's birthday. The food was exceptional, surpassed only by the impeccable service. The total with 20% tip was $150. The bill at the Oyster and Clam Bar for two smaller drinks, one charcuterie board, one entree (they didn't charge us for my wife's dusty salmon) and two sides of fries was $130 with a 20% tip. When we left, a car parked in one of the middle spaces was parked a bit too far forward. Because the parking lot is way too small for the number of painted spaces, I was unable to back out. I had to go inside and ask the greeter to find the owner of the car so I could leave. I realize that my experience is based on only one visit. I like to imagine the odds of having another bad experience when deciding to try again. Firstly, the parking lot is a fixed issue and will be the same. Secondly, the food is average and prices will continue to be higher compared to far better places. It's likely that another visit will include a more experienced server, but the cooking staff is a complete wildcard. For me, the odds are poor that another experience will undo my dissatisfaction with this establishment. For that reason, I gave them only one star, and can't recommend the Oyster...

Located in a bucolic setting off the beaten path. The new owners have done a beautiful rehab of the building with ~15 outdoor tables , a bandstand and seating for about 25 indoor tables in two rooms (watch the step down). The atmosphere is airy with plenty of windows. Specials are on multiple wall mounted boards. They also revamped the bar and it seats twice as many as before. If you loved the old Bruynswick Inn you'll be happy that they kept the old feel with a new look. During my visit on a beautiful Thursday afternoon, there wasn't a free table, inside or out and there was a duet on the bandstand. Reservations strongly suggested. The menu has plenty of fish and oysters and my sampling of the oysters from around the east coast found them fresh, served on ice with a vinegar or cocktail sauce on the side. Freshwater and ocean fish options are aplenty. The lobster Mac and Cheese had plenty of lobster and gooey elbows. Nothing to write home about with the crab cake. Please try the roasted beet salad, even if you don't like beets. Their approach is one of the best I've tasted.

I understand help is hard to come by, but with 40 tables and 3 wait staff and a bus girl, it left me wanting for service that met the price tag. It put a dent on enjoying the good food. While the staff were friendly and knowledgeable, delays, incorrect orders, out of order servings and the smallest martini glass I've ever come across; I have misgivings on a return trip. I'll give it another try because the rolling front lawn, the outdoor fire pit and the general "good feeling" of being back at the Inn makes it worth another trip. Plus, perhaps the other 39 tables had another take on the foodie experience that I may have missed.

The restrooms were refinished very nicely and have a cozy feel with large tiled walls, high ceilings and brightly lit. Parking can be a headache and late arrivals had to park across the street on the side of the road. It's on a "dead man's turn" so please be careful crossing if you end up there.

They put effort into the drink menu but they are a bit heavy handed with the crushed ice (no really, it looks pretty but there's no drink inside) and have a modest beer selection,...

Well...Since this is a brand new restaurant I will attempt to be as kind as possible with my review. We visited here on only their second day of business, unfortunately our experience was a horrible one! #1 - I ordered 15 Cherrystone raw clams that were loaded with pieces of shells, some large! My son ordered 12 raw oysters & same situation! Next I ordered a cup of butternut squash soup, which I asked to be served prior to my dinner...didn't happen! It came with my dinner, but it was the "1 bright spot" as it was tasty & pleasing. BTW- We were never served any bread/rolls in between appetizers & meals as promised! My son & myself ordered the oyster po'boy & again unfortunately the rolls were stale & fried oysters were mostly breading & tasteless! My wife ordered the pulled pork sandwich which she said was tasteless also on a stale roll! Her coleslaw & salad, also tasteless! Heck...Even their water tasted bad, like it was drawn from the bathroom sink! We did inform our waitress about everything, she brought over the owner who apologized Big-time, & was very friendly! She gave us complimentary desserts to take home, but unfortunately still charged us fully for our disgusting meals, which BTW - Totalled just under $200..."WOW"!!! Never again!!! P.S. When returning home we prayed 🙏 that maybe, just maybe our desserts would be good...All we can say is...Disgusting!!! My strong recommendation for potential patrons of "The oyster and Clam bar" think twice please!!! As for the owner of this establishment...You've got a lot of fixing to...