Maysville is one of the most carefree restaurants that also has a high end whiskey menu with food that is up to par. You can get a reservation the day of and still feel special in there. The menu offers Southern fare like fried Crispy Grits with Country Ham & Bourbon Aioli, Crispy Oysters, Crab Toast, etc. The endless list of whiskeys and scotches is impeccable and allows for Maysville to be a great after work spot to meet for drinks and take the edge off or a late night cap for those in the ‘hood. The complimentary warm, mini cornbread bites and butter push you in the right direction to begin. FYI it’s totally kosher to ask for a second round but beware they serve lots of bread with these dishes so try not to fill up aka carb up too early in the game. The Charcoal Grilled Flatbread with Fresh Ricotta, Grilled Ramps, Cured Pork Belly and a Fried Egg hits the spot before the main attraction. The crunchy crust is a bit blackened, but only to the effect that it should be and the flavor of the dressing on top is ideal.
The Smoked White Fish Mousse with Trout Roe and Toast is also a good shareable app, but it was my least favorite dish of the night. Do not miss the Barbecue Shrimp with Bourbon and Green Garlic. These prawns are large enough for three bites each and come with the head and tail on. Yes, you can dip your bread in this and like it. The Whole Smoked Trout with Onions, Mushrooms and Watercress is the lightest and freshest thing we ate all night. It’s not as meaty as branzino but it’s flaky and flavorful and a nice seafood option on the entree list that I’d recommend.
The most action my tastebuds received at Maysville was from the Peanut Butter Chocolate Tart with Caramel Ice Cream and honey. The unreal textures go from A to Z with crunch, crumble, sweet, sticky, cold, creamy and mousse-y. We took this down in seconds as the bottom oreo-like crust mixed with the fudge like center and crunchy peanuts on top with the salted caramel ice cream just explode in your mouth out to your eyes. A whiskey cocktail and this dessert can really end your night positively. Maysville is an easy spot in Chelsea to get a reservation most nights a week and a nice casual scene that allows you to feel fancier because of the light vibe without being too intense.
