0 Followers
Cured Fish Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Cured Fish Bar
8.6
Evening raw bar featuring oysters, crudos, and Japanese-influenced curing with a tight menu and thoughtful beverage pairings. It’s the most seafood-focused spot in town, best for small plates and conversation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters on the Half Shell, Hamachi Crudo, Cured Scallop
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Oyster-and-crudo bar with precise Japanese-influenced techniques.
Who should go: Raw bar lovers and seafood purists
When to visit: Arrive early evening for oyster selection
What to order: Oysters; hamachi crudo; cured scallop
Insider tip: Check pop-up micro market days for take-home seafood.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; meters along Maple Street fill quickly after 6pm, but a public lot sits one block east near First Street.
Dress code: Smart casual—most guests wear jeans with a nice top or casual button-down; avoid overly beachwear attire.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing energy during peak hours, but still easy enough to hold a conversation at the bar or small tables.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 7pm; the bar area is first-come, first-served.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the raw bar may be limited to happy hour service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—usually 2–3 small plates such as roasted veggies or salad specials.
Vegan options: Minimal—ask the server; preparation often includes seafood elements or butter.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several items like oysters, crudos, and most seafood plates are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, intimate bar seating, and refined seafood plates create a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe ideal for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible early evening before 6pm or at the raw bar; later arrivals should expect a short wait or bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—menu leans toward adult palates and presentation; best suited for older teens or adult groups.
Best For
Better for: Best in town for crudos, oyster variety, and curated seafood pairings; excels at blending Japanese precision with West Coast ingredients.
Skip if: You’re seeking hearty entrées, fried seafood platters, or a full dinner menu—opt for a broader seafood grill instead.
Cured Fish Bar
8.5
Evening raw bar with Japanese-influenced curing—think oysters, crudos, and tidy share plates backed by a focused sake list. Locals use it for refined seafood before or after a downtown stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi crudo, Oysters on the half shell, Salmon belly with yuzu
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Japanese curing techniques applied to a seasonal raw bar.
Who should go: Seafood lovers and sake-curious date nights
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 for calmer pacing
What to order: Hamachi crudo; oysters; salmon belly
Insider tip: Ask about limited crudo specials—small batches rotate quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along First Street and nearby side streets is generally available, but fills quickly on weekend evenings. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice top are fine, but most guests lean dressy due to the intimate downtown setting.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly but with ambient bar chatter during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats often open faster.
Weekday lunch: Closed at lunch—dinner-only service after 5pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—few veggie-forward small plates and sides available.
Vegan options: Minimal options; raw bar focus makes it challenging beyond salads or sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many crudos and oysters are naturally gluten-free, but check sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its candlelit bar, small tables, and elegant seafood presentation make it a natural first-date pick. Conversation stays easy and the staff is attentive without hovering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights after 7pm, though weekends fill fast. The counter is first-come and ideal for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for children—menu skews toward raw seafood and small plates, and the atmosphere is more date-night than family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Refined crudo, sake pairings, and presentation; a more elevated raw bar than typical sushi spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for cooked entrees, large portions, or a loud group setting—this is best enjoyed as a relaxed, adult evening.
Cured Fish Bar
8.3
Seafood-forward raw bar with Japanese curing techniques—think oysters, crudos, and sake pairings. Locals use it for refined, shareable plates before a downtown stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters on the half shell, Hamachi crudo, Salmon belly with yuzu kosho
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Japanese-influenced curing and raw bar plates with thoughtful sake.
Who should go: Couples and seafood lovers seeking finesse
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for relaxed pacing
What to order: Oysters; hamachi crudo; salmon belly
Insider tip: Ask about limited crudo specials—often seasonal and small-batch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free 2-hour downtown street parking nearby; easiest on side streets west of First Street after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—think elevated date-night attire; dark jeans or casual dresses fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—buzz from the raw bar but still easy for conversation across a two-top.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; small bar seats may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—bar opens early for light bites.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some small plates and sides, but seafood dominates the menu.
Vegan options: Very limited—ask about seasonal vegetable crudos or edamame.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many crudos and sashimi are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce alternatives available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, refined plates, and shareable crudos make it an ideal first-date setting without the formality of fine dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weekdays, yes; on weekends, arrive before 6:30pm or grab a counter seat for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—small plates and a bar-centric setup suit adults more than young children.
Best For
Better for: Sake pairings and delicate raw preparations surpass nearby sushi rolls spots.
Skip if: You prefer cooked entrées or large combination plates—this is about nuance, not volume.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 8pm
Wednesday5pm - 8pm
Thursday5pm - 8pm
Friday4pm - 9pm
Saturday4pm - 9pm
SundayClosed