Atlantic Social
Rather than dropping anchor on the congested east side of Rt. 1 amid one of the largest group of outlet shopping centers on the coast, Atlantic Social would be much more appreciated if it took root in downtown Rehoboth Beach (where its sister restaurant, Blackwall Hitch resides), joining the hustle-and-bustle of a beach community coastal favorite that, sometimes, seems to be its promise. Alas, easy and abundant parking and a no doubt more favorable annual rent renders Atlantic Social a middling coastal cuisine restaurant among many on the Coastal Highway strip, with nothing to make it stand out other than its New England-centric small and large plates. Offering a tempting raw bar of clams, oysters, and shrimp, Atlantic Social’s menu moves guests to its namesake ‘Sociables,’ a mix of lobster and crab wontons, dips, grilled seafood, calamari, and other favorites, before concluding with a New England seafood harvest that is anything but sociable in terms of sharing, and equally tests your palate and wallet, though with differing reactions. The ambiance is sanitized New England, fresh, airy, and plain, but with sometimes uneven seasonal service sure to equally satisfy and anger demanding patrons who expect a downtown seafood joint level of renewed attention. Everyone wants to like Atlantic Social, its cool vibe bar, friendly bar tenders, ample spacing among tables, and promise to deliver quality coastal classics in a relaxed environment. Management sometimes delivers, but an uneven kitchen and service is probably why Atlantic Social is never difficult to score a summer reservation, accepting of large groups and families who can easily navigate in and out, parking not an issue. Over many visits, we have wanted to fall for Atlantic Social, but something – maybe too many meh meals – keeps pulling us back from offering a third star. Perhaps we continue to be seduced by the name and promise, hoping to find a vibrant restaurant where everybody is socializing and seems to know your name. But upon departing, we realize that Atlantic Social is never crowded for a reason, and maybe we simply are charmed not by the promise, but upon the age-old post-dining quandary of pondering whether it was worth the journey and cost? With Atlantic Social, it only sometimes is, raising your own quandary, should I risk my own culinary reputation by booking a reservation for a large party whose members may stand in judgment of my choice? Take the easier option of selecting a better reviewed restaurant in these pages. Still, Atlantic Social can be fun, the raw bar always fresh and yearning to please, and easy to navigate and park, without much downtown fuss. A bit more kitchen consistency may earn another coveted star, but, for now, enjoy Atlantic Social for what it is, not whether it may soon realize its promise.
