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Liquid Assets Wine & Martini Bar
Categories: Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Food Specialty Food Cheese Shops Restaurants Mediterranean Wine Bars, Cheese Shops, Mediterranean [Edit]
9301 Coastal HwyOcean City, MD 21842
(410) 524-7037
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 pm - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 pm - 12 am
Sun 11:30 am - 11 pm
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy, Trendy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
60 reviews for Liquid Assets Wine & Martini Bar
Review Highlights
"Great food served in a liquor store."
(in 20 reviews)
"Best place we've ever gone to in OC by far."
(in 20 reviews)
"...were so creamy and the grilled bread was out of this world."
(in 3 reviews)
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60 reviews in English
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Review from Karen A.
Baltimore, MD
11/12/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I don't think it's a stretch to call Liquid Assets one of the best restaurants in Ocean City. The food itself is definitely some of the best, and it's complemented by fantastic service and a relaxed vibe.
Locals know this place is good, so expect to wait for a table. The wait never bothers me because the bar in the center of the restaurant is so enjoyable to sit at. The wine and beer selection is phenomenal (Delirium Tremens: case in point). The only mixed cocktail I've had is a Cosmopolitan, and it was very good.
The star of LA is the menu. If you're like me and adore cheese, do not forget to browse the cheese menu. You can order a cheese board which comes with fresh and dried fruits, fruit spreads and crackers. The main menu changes based on what ingredients are in season. The ahi tuna with soba and kimchi is one of my favorites. Recently I had a roasted chicken dish that the waitress recommended which came with fresh fettuccine, mozzarella and marinara. I don't normally order chicken dishes when I eat out, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Desserts are equally as scrumptious as the rest of the menu. The bread pudding and apple pie are two of my favorites. Save room!
The liquor store side of LA has one of the best selections of beer, wine and hard liquor in town. If you see a wine you like, you can bring it to your tabled and drink it there for the price of the bottle plus a $10 corking fee.
Do yourself a huge favor and visit Liquid Assets! -
Review from Rebecca F.
Salisbury, MD
11/19/2011
Went last night for a romantic birthday dinner, and to banish the ghost of the worst date ever from years ago (if you're interested, email me and I'll tell you all about it). I agree with some of the other reviewers: This is one of the best restaurants in OC. It doesn't look like much from the outside; I drove past it several times and had no idea there was a restaurant in there. I thought it was just a beer and wine shop, and I'm sure the locals would prefer that tourists believe that, too! Inside, Liquid Assets sports a gorgeous bottle shop, two bars (the kind where you want to talk to your neighbors, not watch TV while downing cheap beer), a more formal dining area, and several tables surrounding the bar in the bottle shop.
We didn't get a chance to explore much of the liquor store, but they have a wide and interesting selection. We took a gander at a vast array of unusual beers, for example. The bars seem relaxed, but classy. One of our friends was drinking some sort of Mexican spicy chocolate martini which she described as "addictive".
The food is excellent. Although it's pricey (we spent just shy of $100 for 2 entrees, a split salad, and 2 desserts), I believe it's a good value for Ocean City. You can easily spend that much at one of the multitudinous crappy places in OC, but at Liquid Assets you will leave happy, satisfied, and impressed rather than disappointed. I recommend splitting a salad -- our Caesar was a good size and prepared nicely enough to make it special. Our entrees were creative, artful, and out of this world! Hubby loved his scallops and mushroom risotto, although for the price, it would be nice if it included 6 rather than 4 scallops. I had a rockfish special, which was plated over a sea of yummy, smokey lentils with sausage. Loved it! Desserts were fine. Hubby loved his donuts (tip: they give you 3 sizable donuts -- share 'em), and I enjoyed my Smith Island Cake (it was chocolate peanut butter, and I believe Classic Cakes made it). Our friends were raving about their special appetizer of foie gras, but we were not gutsy enough to try it (maybe someday!). It was fun to look at what everyone else was eating; everything looked so good!
The host and waitress were very friendly, and our waitress checked in on us just enough. The dining room was intimate, although a little loud (a busy night!). The only downside would be a lack of view, so if you're really wanting that, try Frescos, Fagers, or The Hobbit. -
Review from Coren D.
8/12/2011
First off, this is the best wine store in OC. You cannot beat their selection of wines. We picked up six delicious summer bottles, which included a Grüner Veltliner, Vinho Verde, Albariño, CA Chard, Cinsault Rosé, and a NZSauv Blanc. None of them were priced over $20, and all of them were delicious, perfect for the heat. Everywhere else you go you'll only get the usual Mondavi/Yellow Tail bullshit wines. This place is for serious winos.
For lunch, it was good. The crab cakes, made with Smith Island crabmeat, were sweet, moist and full of lump, not heavy with filler. The pan-roasted mussels with chorizo sausage were a big hit at the table. The sauce at the bottom of the plate was the best part. I would have loved to have more bread to just soak it all up and devour it. The tuna burger was big and flavorful, but a bit salty. Unfortunately because they use egg as a binder, they can't cook it to order. It has to be cooked well done. It came with MASSIVE steak fries. It was as if they cut an Idaho potato into four or five wedges and just deep fried it. Very good and filling.
Prices were reasonable, a little on the higher end, but for the quality and atmosphere, it was well worth it. I'll definitely come back again.Listed in: OCMD 2011
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Review from Gregg Z.
TRINITY, NY
1/8/2012
Hands down the best meal in Ocean City. I will make this a regular stop every visit going forward. The scallop risotto and linguine with shrimp and clams were amazing.
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Review from Kondi S.
Middle River, MD
1/21/2012
Great find on a cold winters night in January! Love the atmosphere and the food was incredible. Want to try everything on the menu...rainbow trout is a must! We will be back!
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Review from Alicyn D.
Columbia, MD
10/27/2011
I frequent Liquid Assets when visiting Ocean City. It is my favorite restaurant in Ocean City. The food is always awesome!
LOCATION
Located right on the main drag of Ocean City on 94th street in a shopping strip. It is deceiving from the outside. It is a nice beer/wine/liquor store inside which surrounds the bars and seating areas. There is also a back room that has seating and also a bar that surrounds the appetizer/salad station in the back which is a neat place to sit!
FOOD
Some of my favorite dishes.....
- Watermelon with Crab
- Pumpkin Soup with Cashews and a little bit of spice
- Tuna Crisps
- Duck Breast with Bruschetta is phenomenal!
- Seared Scallop Risotto is out of this world!!
I had the Fried PB and J sandwich for dessert with ice cream and it was awesome. This is a MUST go when you're in OC or anywhere nearby! -
Review from Brian O.
Centreville, VA
6/29/2011
Its a bit weird at first, to walk into the place to eat only to find that the restaurant is surrounded by a liquor store. But it wears off quickly and is actually quite cool.
The drinks are amazing and moderately priced (coming from DC where a beer costs 11 bucks) and the staff is great! They dont make you feel like the typical beach waitress does (annoyed that they are serving those that give them jobs...tourists).
The food is of the highest quality (from the apps to dessert) in OC and will be going there every time I go and visit.
This place is a must eat place. -
Review from Meghan S.
East Petersburg, PA
7/21/2011
Wonderful food and creativity! My initial reaction to walking into this place wasn't what I thought it would have been. It's a liquor store with an amazing selection if wines and local/micro beers as well as the usual domestics and imports. The bar/ waiting area feels like a separate entity even though it's smack in the middle of the front part. We sat at the food bar area which holds about 15 people and is in the garde manger area where you watch the cooks assemble your cold appetizers, and is kind of a neat sushi bar-esq experience.
It sounds weird, but the grilled cheese and Caesar salad were out if this world! I also ordered a cheese plate which was lovely. Their selection of available cheeses is very decent, and the quality and presentation was perfect. My only reason for a 4 star rating and not a 5 was our unfortunately crappy waitress. She was very rude when one of our party decided she also wanted a salad as an appetizer course after we had ordered, and said, "no I already put in the order", to which another party member had to flag her down to guarantee our friend could get her salad! After that, the sarcastic attitude continued in a fake peppy manor, very unfortunate since the other front of house staff seemed extraordinary.
By far the best food in OC for someone looking for a fine dining experience with not all fine dining prices! -
Review from Peter P.
Gaithersburg, MD
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
What's to say that hasn't been said before? I'll tell you one thing - My wife and I had first gone to Smitty McGees in Selbyville at 9:45 pm (Tuesday) and walked out because the place was DEAD. The bar had 3 people, and one couple at a table. Waitress looked at us and walked away LOL. We arrived at Liquid Assets about 10:10 pm, and the place was BUSY - the bar was full and almost all the tables had people eating. We ordered two L.A. Burgers- they were hot, fresh, and delicious - if you didn't know it was after 10PM you would have thought it was the middle of dinner hour.
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Review from Dave P.
Sterling, VA
10/4/2011
6 word review: Drank. Ate. Laughed. Loved. Will Repeat.
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Review from Jen H.
Washington, DC
10/12/2011
Went with husband and mother-in-law. The atmosphere is really fun. It's a bar, restaurant, liquor store, and even has some chips for sale. Gets very crowded but the staff are lovely. LOVE it.
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Review from Monica M.
Ocean City, MD
9/22/2011
Not always a fan of "flank steak", but their preparation was unique and very enjoyable. Note: this dish was spicy.
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Review from Jackie D.
Catonsville, MD
8/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Loved this place! We only visited the bar for drinks and appetizers but we were very impressed. The bartenders were personable and prompt. The mussels were tasty. They're served with grilled bread which is perfect for enjoying in the delicious broth. (Note: if you order extra bread, they will charge for it.) The calamari was equally enjoyable. The wide awake drunk martini was recommended by the bartender and it was outstanding! There is one bar and several tables scattered throughout the liquor store, but the bar/restaurant area to the left is more intimate and cozier.
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Review from vincent r.
Bedford, MA
8/2/2011
Don't let looks fool you. From the outside it looks more or less like all the other strip mall liquor stores on Coastal Highway, but inside it's got a fantastic craft beer and wine selection as well as a great, let's say, "fine dining lite" restaurant. "Fine dining" meaning that the food would be right at home in a restaurant where you have to dress up a bit. "Lite" because you don't have to dress up; there is no putting on of airs. The place is causal and relaxed.
I went to Liquid Assets with my wife and six year old son (a budding gourmet) for a late lunch on a weekday. The three of us shared one of their many fantastic cheeses, Fried Shrimp & Grits, and Seared Scallops Risotto. I was absolutely blown away when the food started arriving.
My review of Ristorante Antipasti talked extensively about promising too much and delivering next to nothing. This was the opposite experience. I had read the reviews, but didn't expect all that much from this bistro inside a liquor store. The first item we were presented with was the cheese course. The cheese was presented on a wooden artist's palette... the kind Bob Ross might wield. The white cheese was in the center and surrounded by beautifully arranged fresh and dried fruits as well as, I think, maybe some quince paste. Each fruit was a unique color and had its own isolated spot on the palette so as to give the illusion that each was a dollop of paint. It all went to together beautifully.
Next, we recieved the Shrimp & Grits and the Seared Scallops Risotto. Again the plates were works of art. The food was all arranged with a real eye for color and balance. A real feast for the eyes, as they say. The risotto was impeccable; creamy and flavorful and a perfect match for the scallops. The grits and broth likewise complemented and set off the flavors of the shrimp.
The martini selection is very broad and contained lots of combinations I've never seen elsewhere. I think the drink we tried was called a Bourbon St. Germaine or something like that. I don't see it on their website.
Service was very good, but it's also true that there wasn't a large crowd when we were there. Everyone was friendly and attentive and the food arrived pretty promptly.
If you're feeling like some really fine food but not necessarily feeling like an upscale atmosphere, I think Liquid Assets is one of the best bets on the island.
The abience and service is casual, but the food is very creative and well thought out, the flavors all come together perfectly, and the dishes are beautifully arranged on the plate. -
Review from Josh G.
Olney, MD
9/25/2011
The food is great, the atmosphere is loud and hectic, the guy(owner?) at the front counter is kind of a jerk.
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Review from kelley s.
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
BEST PLACE TO EAT IN OC!!!!! hands down this was the best food we ate the 4 days we were there. Go here as often as you can and enjoy the menu, the atmosphere and get some booze to go :) I loved the way there was a liquore store inside but it didn't feel like you were in a 7-11. The staff was SO knowledgeable about the wines, the menu, the cheeses...i was super impressed and very grateful that our last meal in OC was so delicioius. I will definetly go back whenever I'm in the area.
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Review from Patrick O.
Springfield, VA
8/1/2011
Big fan. Definitely a rare find for Ocean City. Prices are extremely reasonable for the quality of food, especially compared to the standard slop rampant in OC. Been here three years in a row, and has not disappointed. Great beer/wine/booze selection, and bonus that it's available to carry out. The last visit I had just bought a sixpack of an expensive IPA, and I stupidly set it on the hood of my car. It slid off and shattered, but within 30 seconds a manager had brought me a replacement, at no cost (and no prompting by me). Kinda awesome.
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Review from Wise W.
Pasadena, MD
9/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have a soft spot for menus that feature daily specials, and these daily specials are spectacular. The wine selections are on par with the food choices, and the martinis are delicious as well. We tried this place on a whim and ended up going back the next night as well. The seating places you in close proximity to your neighbors, but enables you to enjoy the company of others if you choose to. We thoroughly enjoyed the spirits, cheeses, main courses, as well as the desserts. I would drive to OC just to eat here.
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Review from amanda s.
6/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
this place is quite the asset to ocean city, if i do say so myself.
the first time we went in, it was to check out the wines, spirits, and beers. what a beautiful interior! you wouldn't believe how large the space actually is just by looking at it from the outside.
they had everything from st. germain to skinnygirl margaritas to (good) craft beer with walls of wine in between. after purchasing a bottle of veuve demi-sec and a sixer of summerfest, we decided we'd come back for dinner.
and what a good decision that was. our server, stacy, was a riot and totally on top of her a-game. we started with the flash-fried calamari, which came with a chipotle-horseradish sauce and the tuna crisps:: crispy wontons, wasabi sriracha cream cheese, sesame seeds, kimchi, and scallions. i was extremely nervous because i don't like the taste of horseradish and it was a part of both dishes. well, liquid assets can take the award for making me change my mind! the two seafood starters only whet our appetite for more and were both gone within minutes.
for my "heartier fare", i went with the seared scallops risotto, which had roasted garlic and shallots, peas, mushrooms, fresh herbs, and grana padano. i'm not a huge scallops fan, and i ended up giving most of them to my dining companion, but it should be noted that it was a generous portion. the risotto was lustfully buttery and all the veggies danced in perfect harmony. so amazing. my dining companion had the shrimp and grits with aged chorizo, roasted red pepper broth, and grilled bread. it was beyond delicious - and i got to have more shrimp in exchange for my scallops! the chorizo-laced grits were so creamy and the grilled bread was out of this world. the side of chorizo hash we ordered was also unique and delightful.
with no room for dessert, we sipped our stellar flower child cocktails (st. germain, hendrick's, fresh-squeezed lime, and a splash of soda), had a nice chat with stacy, and contently walked back to the condo.Listed in: ocean city offerings.
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Review from Chris S.
Annapolis, MD
7/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great food and by far the BEST beer and wine selection in Ocean City. Always a stop for me when in OC.
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Review from Ray G.
Randolph, NJ
8/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Food is very good. I am not a huge fan of the setup and i bet i am in the minority on this one. There is just something strange when your trying to have a romantic dinner and all of a sudden some dude buying natty light is staring at you while you are eating. If i go back i will always ask to sit in that side room out of the liquor store area. Server was awesome and we went at 10pm and still had to wait to be seated.
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Review from Ron C.
Butler, PA
8/21/2011
Quirky fun place to eat. Great food served in a liquor store. Fabulous crab cakes, cheese board and desserts. Highly recommend
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Review from Spencer H.
Baltimore, MD
7/26/2011
Liquid Assets is perhaps my new favorite spot in Ocean City. It's a liquor store (upscale) plus bar and restaurant. They have an extensive selection of beer and wine in store and on the menu. The drink menu has all the classic cocktails plus some more creative varieties. I wish I had gone with more of an appetite - I had a bowl of the crab chowder, which was delicious. My friends all raved about their entrees as well. You MUST order the homemade donuts for dessert. They're like Krispy Kreme but 1000x better.
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Review from B T.
Fairfax, VA
7/24/2010
I stayed in Ocean City all last summer and I can't believe I didn't write a review of one my favorite places Liquid Assets.
It is a bistro in the middle of a wine store. The prices are a bit high esp for wines but its food and service are top notch. For what you get its not overpriced by any means. All the ingredients for the menu are within 30 miles and from sustainable farms which is a big plus for me.
I have been here a few time with small groups and we have gone thru a few bottles of wine and definitely had some of our best meals in Ocean City here. The closest comparable upscale restaurants would be in Rehobeth. This is hands down the best upscale place in OC. Great place for a date or group. Their chef is very creative with the menu. All my friends that I have taken here have loved the place. -
Review from Chris B.
Akron, OH
7/12/2011
Upscale food and huge bar selection for fair prices.
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Review from Desiree D.
Fairfax, VA
5/30/2011
Well crafted menu and excellent selection of wines. Staff is personalable and knowledgable. Seating for lunch is at or around the bar area and is more casual than dinner. I would travel to OC in the future specifically to visit this place. Brilliant concept of food and drink!
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Review from Jb B.
Rockville, MD
6/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was surprised by how good the food was....and needless to say, there is a great beer selection. The restaurant is located inside a beer/wine store.
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Review from Nan G.
Bowie, MD
7/29/2008
What a concept; a liquor store surrounding the restaurant and bar.
I doubt that I'm cool enough to enter a place like this but it happened by accident when I needed to restock our booze supply.
The walls of the restaurant are lined with alcohol for purchase.
They've got it all from beer to alcohol to a fine selection of wine.
I did not get the chance to dine yet but the alcohol choices were great.
The staff helped with my questions and were friendly.
This looks like a great place to get a nice meal. Liquid Assets fills a much needed void in OC.
I'm sure I'll be back when the hooch runs out and when I can steal away for an adult dinner. -
Review from Ray C.
Washington, DC
6/25/2007
Liquid Assets, located within the 94th St mall, is a restaurant/bar/lounge/wine/beer/liquor store. I love to visit this place, huge selection of wines (over 1600)... it has to be the most in Ocean City!
The coolest thing about LA is if you eat in the restaurant, you can pick a bottle of wine from the store and pay the store price plus $10! Sooo much better than typical 100%+ markup at most restaurants!
LA has a small, but changing menu that uses all local produce. The calamari is quite good and the potato wedges kick butt! Served with vinegar, these babies are amazing! Order them as an appetizer or they come with a couple different entrees.
If you're a cheese fan, LA is the place for you! They offer a unique selection of cheeses from all over the world. Served on a wooden wine case top makes the presentation is great! Check out the website for the current selection of cheeses.
If you looking for a unique dinner out in OC, check out LA. If nothing else, check out their huge selection wines, you'll find something that suits your fancy! -
Review from Angela M.
Garden City, NY
5/28/2008
I LOVE Liquid Assets. I was fortunate enough to first discover it a couple of years ago on a b-day weekend when I turned 20....haha. Anyway, this place is cute, cozy and a wonderful place to test different wines and cheeses against your palate. I think this would be a perfect date spot; it's chic enough to be classy and relaxed enough to be fun. Don't forget the recessed lights! We love those.
We ordered the cheese sampler, the pick 4 deal, and found that one cheese was divine, 2 others were edible and the other was like disgusting, moldy, rotten milk curds they were calling cheese. It was definitely a fun outing and a night to remember. The menu is small, but there's enough to be able to pick at least one or two items to try. I wasn't put off by it. I love how the store is attached to the restaurant and how the store has a small lounge in it. It's one of the coolest things I've ever seen in a liquor store. I wish they were all like that. If you're in OC, you must stop by and try it out. I'm sure it will be on your mind like it was mine, before I went and when I returned.Listed in: My OC Escapades...
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Review from Jeff S.
Washington, DC
7/29/2007
Liquid Assets is a unique place. Sometimes it can feel a little odd if you are in the bar area. It is part liquor store, part bar and part restaurant.
Ray C. spells out the fine details of their 10.00 uncorking policy in his review. The food is good. I would prefer more selection. The menu is small and changes regularly. The owner says the chef has free reign as long as the food is from the "countryside" It can be any style food as long as it is from that regions"countryside".
My favorite is when they have their BBQ Pork sandwich served open-face with wedge cut fries.
The bar is open late so you can have a drink and buy some liquor to take with you as well. -
Review from Jon P.
Cockeysville, MD
7/17/2009
The package goods store price gouges people beyond belief. This is a real crime. I bought a pint of Kahlua for 17.99 and a Pint of Stoli for $17.99 this is a total ripoff! Any where but the beach it would have been $10 dollars less.
Robbery! Plain and simple. Avoid this place and buy your liquor before you come to Ocean City. -
Review from Wendy F.
Lusby, MD
6/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic!!! Food and martini's were outstanding!!!
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Review from Stephanie B.
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
6/13/2011
All around, completely amazing.
Hands down the "paprika wings" were the most perfectly cooked and tasty wings I've had in years. This place is a salt lovers paradise. A cheese menu? YES, PLEASE. Olives and Almonds? I'll take another. Oh and, the tuna wontons were the best most perfectly cooked tuna I've ever had. And that's saying a lot b/c I live next to a bunch of very good restaurants. Waitstaff was attentive and friendly, everything we ordered was cooked perfectly and super tasty. I wish I could still be there and eat there again!
Don't be scared to try anything, it's all good off the menu.
And save room for the homemade doughnuts. -
Review from Evan L.
Ocean Pines, MD
1/10/2010
Lovely bistro situated in a wine/liquor shop. Understated but classy.
The chef seems to have done a fine job of producing off-beat pairings (acorn squash mac and cheese -- what I ordered) that are nonetheless delicious.
My wife's chicken breast was the moistest, best prepared chicken breast that I can remember having anywhere.
However, this quality does come at some cost.
The entreés are reasonably priced, for an upscale-ish establishment, in the high teens low twenties. Pairing with a glass of wine (you should; the wines are excellent) will put you at about $30/per person.
It should also be noted that the liquor sold on premises is a bit over-priced (Caol Ila 12 for $70? Should be ~$50...).
I imagine that they are far busier on any evening other than a Sunday during the winter. While I don't see this as being a regular haunt for us (certainly not during the summer); however, for the occasional upscale treat, it is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. -
Review from Lisa L.
East Point, GA
8/20/2007
The one jewel in an otherwise tarnished beach town, Liquid Assets has loads of atmosphere and great food.
Upon entering, you'll notice you are in the middle of a boutique-ish beverage store that has a bar full of cocktailers and a mix-mash of tables for dining. There is also a separate and adjoining room with a bar and extra tables that is the non-smoking area. After browsing the inventory, I observed that the liquor and wine offerings were mainly high end and that this was probably a place for those with more discerning tastes.
My co-worker and I settled in for dinner and I ordered a glass of '05 Cline Viognier that was delightful...spicy, floral and citrusy all in one glass. Our server was not exceptionally knowledgeable about wine, but she was friendly and eager to please. We observed her in a flurry on the floor, moving from table to bar to kitchen and back, but while in front of her guests, she was relaxed and poised.
The food here is exceptional with seasonal menus and a heavy use of local produce. I perceive the chef having a love affair with chorizo because it was used in several of the dishes, including the one i ordered. My plump Seared Scallops, Risotto, Asparagus and Chorizo with Shaved Parmesan was lush and decadent. My companion started with oysters on the half shell and ordered the Antipasto Board for his main course. Although I loved my scallops, I was envious of his 18-inch spread of aged ham and chorizo, seval types of cheese, grilled bread, roasted red peppers and anchovies. While enjoying my entree, I noticed several heaping bowls of steaming garlic-laden mussels being brought to several diners. I promised to come back another time and fill my belly with these bivalves accompanied by Liquid Asset's crusty bread soaked in the liquid gold mussel broth.
Despite being stuffed with risotto, I couldn't resist the dessert selection. The last thing I needed was another dose of carbs, but our server "insisted" that the Coconut Bread Pudding was Liquid Assets best and most popular dessert. Sold! Even though I could barely consume a few bites, the warm and gooey toasted coconut pudding was comforting and perfectly prepared.
I was eager to come back to Atlanta and take this concept back to the people that run The Tasting Room in East Point. They have a similar set-up (boutique beverage store adjoining restaurant) and envisioned myself being a part of a transformation there. Unfortunately I was told there's some wacky law in Georgia that prevents one from operating an establishment that is a combination beverage store/restaurant sharing a common space. I should have known better.
I really don't see myself going back to Ocean City any time soon, but if I'm ever forced to go there again, I'll escape to Liquid Assets for all of my meals. -
Review from Sandra J.
Washington, DC
10/19/2009
Just back from a "girl's weekend in OC. As a family we have been going to OC since the '70's as children, but this was our first adventure childless and spouse-less. My pregnant sister in search of non alcoholic beer ran across this gem on our first night in town, picked up a menu and convinced us to try the bistro the following evening.
What a gem. It is divided into two parts: a store/bar and a restaurant/bar. Since we were only doing appetizers and drinks, we sat on the bar side.
The tables are nestled in between walls of wines and encircled on the outside of the bar.
Our server, was friendly and very attentive and knowledgeable. We ordered the Bruschetta, Flash Fried Calamari and various cheeses.
Their version of Bruschetta consisted of prosciutto, sauteed onions, apples, brie cheese, and herbs. It was a refreshing variance from the traditional Bruschetta.
Their Calamari was served with a chipotle horseradish sauce. My sisters and I love Calamari and our experience when ordering Calamari has proved to be you get a winner or it is awful. This Calamari hands down, by all sisters, was the best Calamari we have ever had. The sauce accented the Calamari and was a wonderful change from the tomato based sauce usually served with this dish.
They have a wide variety of cheeses to choose from. The cheeses are served decoratively on a painter's pallet. The cheese is served with thinly sliced apples and pears accompanied by various other fruits and tiny melba toast. We ordered the Tipperary Extra Sharp Irish Cheddar (what else would a bunch of Irish Lassies order? lol)
Finally, they offer craft as well as domestic and international beers.
I appreciate when a bar offers locally crafted brews. I like to soak in the area's culture, etc. I enjoyed Back Fin while my sisters savored O'Doull's, Dogfish Head and Mich Ultra.
They also offer a wide variety of wines. Choose off the shelf and add a $10 corkage fee. This is also the place for the Martini lover. Too many to list.
Overall, wonderful experience. I can't wait to go back and eat in the restaurant side. They have a variety of menu items including Mac N Cheese Stuffed Acorn Squash which I look forward to trying along with beet ice cream. -
Review from Michael M.
Annapolis, MD
10/15/2009
Ocean City and great food are rarely mentioned in the same sentence. Until now. I loved everything about the place, with the possible exception of the eight drunk golfers at the next table (and after a martini even they were tolerable). Comfortable unpretentious ambience, above average wine list and very friendly service. What really sets it apart is the truly creative menu. We had three-way oysters the night before at Fagers Island, and the three were good, bad and ugly. Two here were outrageously good; the Scandinavian needed a kick. Entrees were outstanding, especially the mac n cheese stuffed acorn squash. The risotto also was outstanding.
I love a place with a good cheese plate after a meal, and these guys go one better...they give you the cheese options and then design a plate around it. But there was one dessert that makes me forget my cheese obsession: bread pudding with...are you ready...bacon. Dubious? Me too, so put it on the side...then right back on. Absolutely perfect!
Best place we've ever gone to in OC by far.
One dish I'd avoid is the hamburger soup. Creative yes but really lackin in flavor and texture. Sent mine back. Hey, it happens when you try to be innovative, and Kelly was so nice about it no stars were lost! -
Review from Maura D.
New York, NY
9/13/2009
We were taken here while visiting family in Ocean City. They described it as "a bar inside a liquor store."
Alright. Sounds good to me.
We went on Saturday night of Labor Day weekend, and were told there would be an hour wait. We found a bottle of wine from their extensive collection, and sat at the bar and drank it while waiting for the table. You could also get drinks or glasses of wine at the bar. I liked that you could buy a bottle and pay $10 corkage. The wine was great, and a great place to catch up with family. Around the bar were other tables as well (which had a few children at each) as well as cozy nooks made of wine crates with cushy seating.
Within the hour, we were seated at our table in the adjacent room. This room had softer lighting, and lovely large wooden tables. We ordered the cheese plate, which was excellent. I ordered the risotto with scallops- YUM! Rich and creamy-- perfection! Our waitress was attentive and knowledge, and just the right amount of attention without being overwhelming.
It's seems like such an original idea and the food was killer. I will definitely go back next time I find myself down that way. -
Review from Carole H.
Scranton, PA
3/23/2011
Really enjoyed our visit. The scallops were delicious. The wine was good too.
