Situated in the heart of Downtown Menlo Park, Clark’s Oyster Bar offers an upscale dining experience featuring some of the freshest seafood in the area. As the fifth establishment of the Clark’s chain, it transforms the former Ann’s Coffee Shop into a bright and airy eatery adorned with East-Coast inspired marine decor that compliments the elegant bar and patio spaces. While on the pricier side, the menu perouses through coastal American classics—with freshly shucked oysters and steaming bowls of clam chowder—that make it well worth a visit.
Pink Moon Oysters ($27): 9/10
At $4.50 a piece, these oysters set a high expectation—and they delivered. The Pink Moon oysters were an incredibly refreshing appetizer that managed to be full of flavor while simultaneously not tasting too fishy. The oysters were the perfect bite size, and the fresh horseradish mixed with the mignonette sauce added the perfect tang. The dish also came with a classic cocktail sauce and saltine crackers, adding a crispy touch that balanced the soft and briny nature of the oysters. Ultimately, Clark’s transformed a seemingly simple starter into a standout hit.
Crudo Plate ($26): 7/10
While the crudo plate certainly delivers quality cuts of raw fish, it is hard to taste much other than capers, onions, and olive oil. The selection of tuna, salmon, and yellowtail is buttery and melts in your mouth, but is overwhelmed by the toppings and sauce. If you are a fan of crudo, this dish won’t necessarily disappoint, but it may be worth opting for a starter that highlights the natural flavor of the fish more clearly.
Shoestring Fries ($14): 10/10
If this golden mound of fries isn’t already enticing, the texture and flavor will certainly seal the deal. The shoestring fries are impeccably crispy and sufficiently seasoned, almost feeling more like a bag of potato chips than fries. Though, this makes them the perfect side dish for a meal of soft and chewy seafood—their thinness making them light and hard to get full off of. Served warm and generously portioned, you won’t be able to have enough of these must-order crisps.
Lobster Roll ($45): 9/10
While this lobster roll strays away from the traditional New-England style, it still delivers above and beyond in flavor. By experimenting with butter lettuce, soft brioche, and various herbs, this dish brings a fresh and citrusy palette to the classic roll. The warm butter atop the cold mounds of lobster feels rich and indulgent, and the heaping side of coleslaw adds the perfect crunch. While it can be hard to eat, it’s good to note that having too much lobster is certainly better than not having enough. If you are looking for an elevated, West-Coast inspired lobster roll, Clark’s is definitely worth a visit.
Crab Cake ($34): 7/10
With more side-salad than crab cake on the plate, you aren’t exactly getting the bang for your buck with this entreé. Nonetheless, the crab cake itself is enjoyable, with a mild crab flavor that can function as both a pro or con based on how much you like crab. The exterior has a satisfying flakey texture that pairs well with the soft vegetables and meat inside, however I would have liked the crisp to remain all around the cake rather than falling flat on the top. This is a tasty crab-cake, but is somewhat lackluster compared to the price point.
Clam Chowder ($15): 9/10
This clam chowder is smooth, light, and carries a small unexpected kick of spice from the inclusion of tabasco. The soup itself isn’t overly thick, and the addition of chervil—a crunchy and aromatic french herb—feels innovative. The crunch is further experienced with the side of oyster crackers, which we enjoyed by dumping into the soup. While it may not be the richest and most traditional bowl of clam chowder, it definitely deserves an order.
Butterscotch Pot de Créme ($14): 8/10
The butterscotch pot de créme is a french style custard, often compared to creme brûlée in terms of decadence. This custard was certainly rich in flavor, but the oat cookie crumble and whipped creme fraiche topping helped balance the powerful taste of butterscotch. Still, this desert feels rather mundane and doesn’t possess the wow-factor I like to end a meal with.
