When Porter House closed, it wouldn’t have been surprising to see yet another Mamaroneck Avenue pub catering to the 21 to 35 crowd pop up in its place—especially considering that the owners of the adjacent Hudson Grille, a 21 to 35 hot spot, ran Porter House. But Lilly’s Oyster Bar, which opened in May under Hudson Grille ownership, is a different type of Mamaroneck Avenue restaurant/bar.
“We want to attract people 35 to 40 and up,” says manager Rudy Rodriguez. “Lilly’s plays ’80s and ’90s music but not so loud that folks can’t talk to one another.” Lilly’s was designed to encourage guests to converse—there are only two TVs at the 30-seat bar, and there’s a communal table that seats 12. A selection of wine on tap and imaginative craft cocktails is offered including the Harlem Punch (Pisco Portón, fresh pineapple, cucumber, cherry liqueur, and honey).
The menu, Mediterranean-influenced small plates, is different than the typical pub fare found along Mamaroneck Avenue. Executive Chef Tyler Jacobs, formerly sous chef at nearby BLT Steak, offers braised-for-eight-hours short ribs with polenta as well as skirt steak with herbed citrus aioli—both delicious. Ricotta croquettes with honey and fried rosemary and east and west coast oysters are also worthwhile choices.
A Pavesi wood-fired oven from Italy spews out puffy, charred pizzas.
“The only thing Lilly’s shares with Hudson Grille is the connecting patio out back,” adds Rodriguez.