by Sue Giustino
Montauk offers a variety of dining experiences, from casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants, many with outdoor seating and/or waterfront views. With such a variety of popular options, deciding where to go can be challenging.
However, one of Montauk’s fine dining establishments has been a consistent choice for delicious seasonal fare since 2015. Situated one block off Main Street in town, Muse @ the End with refined coastal charm is always a great option. Whether choosing to sit in the spacious, comfortable bar room with high tops available or at the unique illuminated bar, the open dining room gently lit by hanging light chandeliers and candles, or behind the beautiful French doors in the garden patio, each dining space offers a comfortable, warm ambiance, and a gentle hum of conversations.
After a friendly greeting from Mario, and a stop at the bar for a Juanita Margarita, Negroni, a glass of Sancerre, and a Tequila Grapefruit Martini, we made our way into the dining room. Being informed that Chef Larry Wallace decided to send out a few of his specialties for us to enjoy, we were able to sit back and enjoy our cocktails and conversation.
Starting us off were the crispy topped aromatic Stuffed Chopped Clams with a tasty blend of flavors accenting the generous chunks of fresh clams. One of my favorites! Followed by the Cauliflower Tempura-another crisp and tender dish with an added burst of flavor from the sweet chili teriyaki glaze that it’s tossed in. Of course, there are additional tasty Appetizers available including steamed little neck clams, PEI mussels, fried calamari, baked oysters, and lobster mac n cheese.
From the Salads, to which you can add a choice of chicken, salmon, shrimp, or scallops, we enjoyed the fresh creamy Baratta and Tomato. Served on a bed of mesclun greens the Baratta sits atop a crisp garden tomato and is finely dressed with a drizzle of pesto and balsamic reduction. In addition to the wonderful variety of salads, there is also an extensive Raw Bar worth checking out; oysters, clams, shrimp, lobster tail, and a seafood tower.
Entrees include a lovely selection of Pasta, Land, and Sea dishes. Piled high with tender Shrimp, Calamari, Clams, and Mussels, the Seafood Fra Diavolo with a spicy marina sauce is bursting with flavor. It’s just one of the six wonderful Pasta options.
From the Sea, the fork tender seared Day Boat Fresh Sea Scallops served on a bed of sweet potato mash and sauteed spinach is an elegantly delectable dish. Not to worry if scallops are not your seafood of choice, other dishes from the Sea include lobster tails or rolls, seared salmon, fluke francaise, and fish and chips.
Land options cover a nice array- roasted chicken, double pork chop, grilled shell or ribeye steak, ½ lb prime burger, or as we enjoyed, Chicken Milanese and Surf n Turf. Breaded and panfried, the large crisp yet tender Chicken cutlet was topped with a mixed green salad, red onion, tomato, and mozzarella in a balsamic vinaigrette. And finally, the Surf and Turf: a broiled lobster tail that practically melted in your mouth, 
was accompanied by a 14 oz shell steak cooked perfectly to order, with sides of baked potato and sauteed broccoli.
Since any deliciously savoy meal like the one we enjoyed, can only be enhanced by something sweet, Muse has arranged offerings of tasty after dinner drinks and desserts. Port, Baily’s, Frangelico, Drambuie… NY Cheesecake, Key lime Pie, Tiramisu… so many choices. Chef Larry sent us a dish of delicately sweet Raspberry Sorbet, as well as the decadently moist Brownie Sundae and stuffed Fried Donuts with chocolate sauce, both served with vanilla ice cream and fresh whipped cream. YUM!
From our experience it’s obvious that the kitchen runs exceptionally well with Chef Larry Wallace and Chef Clive working together to turn out consistently appetizing meals. Be sure to check for daily specials and vegan dishes as well.
Open daily @1pm- Lunch Menu and Happy Hour [from 1-4pm ] specials available-including $1 oysters, sliders [fish, surf n turf, cheeseburger], margarita bar pizzas … Dinner from 5-10pm- Saturday and Sunday music- seating available for Large Parties– Ladies Night Thursdays and Sundays with $10 cocktails…
Muse is located at 41 S Euclid Avenue Montauk, NY 11954- for information or reservations call (631) 238–5937 or visit https://www.museattheendmontauk.com/