The Drift Raw Bar Menu invites seafood lovers on an exquisite journey through the freshest and most flavorful ocean treasures. Known for its dedication to quality and a carefully curated selection, this menu highlights the best raw and lightly prepared shellfish and seafood, ensuring every bite bursts with natural taste and texture.
From the briny sweetness of oysters to the delicate succulence of sashimi, the offerings cater to both adventurous palates and classic preferences alike.
Each item on the Drift Raw Bar Menu is thoughtfully sourced and presented, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to sustainable seafood practices and culinary craftsmanship. Whether you are savoring a platter of chilled shellfish or selecting from seasonal specialties, the experience emphasizes freshness, balance, and the pure essence of the sea.
The menu is designed to pair beautifully with handcrafted cocktails and selected wines, enhancing the overall sensory delight.
Exploring the Drift Raw Bar is more than just a meal; it’s an immersion into coastal dining culture, where every dish tells a story of oceanic bounty and expert preparation. Guests are encouraged to try a variety of offerings to fully appreciate the diversity of flavors and textures.
The menu’s thoughtful design ensures that no matter your preference, from briny and bold to delicate and nuanced, there is something to captivate your taste buds.
Oysters: The Crown Jewel of the Raw Bar
Oysters are the defining feature of any raw bar, and Drift’s selection is exceptional. Featuring a rotating roster of varieties from different coastal regions, the menu celebrates the unique characteristics of each oyster type.
Whether you prefer a clean, crisp finish or a richer, buttery flavor, the oyster offerings promise a memorable tasting experience.
Each oyster is shucked to order, ensuring optimal freshness and flavor. The menu often includes classic options like Blue Points from the East Coast and Kumamotos from the West Coast, alongside rarer finds sourced from sustainable farms.
The oysters are presented on a bed of crushed ice with traditional accompaniments such as lemon wedges, mignonette sauce, and cocktail sauce.
Oysters are also available in combination platters, allowing diners to sample multiple kinds at once. This is perfect for those new to oysters or those who appreciate comparing subtle differences between varieties.
Oyster Varieties and Flavor Profiles
| Variety | Origin | Flavor Notes | Texture |
| Blue Point | Long Island, NY | Briny, medium salinity with a slight sweetness | Medium firm, smooth |
| Kumamoto | West Coast, USA | Sweet, buttery, mild | Plump, tender |
| Wellfleet | Massachusetts, USA | Clean, crisp with a mineral finish | Firm, slightly chewy |
| Malpeque | Prince Edward Island, Canada | Lightly briny, fresh, crisp | Firm, smooth |
“Oysters are the perfect expression of the sea’s complexity—each variety offers a unique story through its flavor and texture.” — Executive Chef
Clams and Mussels: A Taste of Coastal Simplicity
The Drift Raw Bar Menu extends beyond oysters to include a variety of clams and mussels, offering guests a chance to enjoy fresh shellfish in their purest forms. These options are ideal for those who appreciate slightly sweeter, meatier shellfish with a satisfying bite.
Clams are served both raw and steamed, depending on the offering. Littleneck clams, prized for their tender texture and mild flavor, are a staple.
Mussels, on the other hand, are typically presented steamed with light aromatics that enhance rather than overpower their natural brininess.
These shellfish are often paired with house-made dipping sauces or fresh herbs, complementing their natural flavors without masking them. The balance between simplicity and refinement is a hallmark of Drift’s approach to clams and mussels.
Popular Clam and Mussel Selections
- Littleneck Clams: Sweet, tender, often served raw on the half shell with lemon or cocktail sauce.
- Steamers: Larger clams steamed with garlic, white wine, and parsley for a warm, comforting dish.
- Prince Edward Island Mussels: Steamed and served with a light broth, showcasing their rich, briny flavor.
- Cherrystone Clams: Larger and meatier, perfect for grilling or eating raw when exceptionally fresh.
“The charm of clams and mussels lies in their ability to be both humble and luxurious, a true testament to the ocean’s bounty.” — Seafood Sommelier
Crudo and Sashimi: Celebrating Pure Seafood Flavors
Crudo and sashimi dishes on the Drift Raw Bar Menu highlight the purity of fresh fish through minimal seasoning and precise slicing. These preparations focus on the natural texture and flavor of the seafood, emphasizing freshness above all else.
Crudo, often dressed lightly with citrus, olive oil, or subtle spices, brings a refreshing lightness and complexity to raw fish. Sashimi selections, meanwhile, are expertly cut to showcase the quality and texture of each fish, typically served with wasabi and soy sauce for traditional flavor enhancement.
Both crudo and sashimi are excellent choices for diners seeking an elegant and refined seafood experience, allowing the ocean’s flavors to shine with minimal adornment.
Signature Crudo and Sashimi Offerings
- Yellowtail Crudo: Thinly sliced, drizzled with yuzu and chili oil for a bright, spicy kick.
- Salmon Sashimi: Rich, buttery cuts served with freshly grated wasabi and soy sauce.
- Tuna Tataki: Lightly seared edges with a sesame crust, served with ponzu sauce.
- Sea Scallop Crudo: Delicate scallops with a lemon-herb vinaigrette and microgreens.
“The essence of crudo and sashimi is in honoring the fish’s integrity through simple, thoughtful preparation.” — Sushi Chef
Shellfish Platters: Indulgence and Variety
For those looking to explore a range of raw bar delights, the shellfish platters at Drift offer a curated selection of oysters, clams, shrimp, crab, and lobster. These platters are designed for sharing and provide a luxurious, multisensory experience.
Each platter is a thoughtfully balanced combination of textures and flavors, pairing briny oysters with sweet shrimp and rich crab meat. Presentation is key, with fresh garnishes and accompaniments enhancing the visual appeal and taste.
Ideal for groups or special occasions, these platters are complemented by house-made sauces and fresh citrus, allowing diners to tailor each bite to their preference. The variety ensures an engaging tasting journey through the ocean’s best offerings.
Comparing Popular Shellfish Platters
| Platter Name | Contents | Portion Size | Price Range |
| The Classic | 6 oysters, 6 littleneck clams, 4 shrimp | Single to double | $$ |
| Deluxe Selection | 12 oysters, 8 clams, 6 shrimp, 1/2 lobster tail | Group sharing | $$$ |
| Ultimate Feast | 18 oysters, 12 clams, 8 shrimp, full lobster, crab claws | Large group | $$$$ |
“Shellfish platters are more than food; they’re a celebration of the sea’s generosity and a social dining experience.” — General Manager
Freshly Shucked Crab and Lobster
The Drift Raw Bar Menu also features freshly shucked crab and lobster, providing a satisfying alternative to traditional raw bar items. These crustaceans are prized for their sweet, tender meat and are often served chilled to preserve their delicate flavor.
Crab options include blue crab claws and Dungeness crab, each known for their distinct sweetness and firm texture. Lobster is typically offered as chilled tails or claws, lightly seasoned or paired with drawn butter to enhance natural richness.
These selections provide a substantial and indulgent choice for diners looking to enjoy the rich flavors of premium shellfish beyond oysters and clams.
Key Crab and Lobster Selections
- Blue Crab Claws: Sweet, tender meat perfect for dipping in lemon and butter.
- Dungeness Crab: Noted for its delicate sweetness and firm texture, served cold.
- Chilled Lobster Tail: Succulent meat served with drawn butter and fresh lemon.
- Lobster Claws: Rich and flavorful, ideal for sharing or as a main raw bar item.
“The sweetness of crab and lobster meat is a hallmark of the ocean’s finest treasures, best enjoyed as simply as possible.” — Seafood Specialist
Accompaniments and Condiments
To complement the raw bar offerings, Drift provides an array of freshly prepared accompaniments and condiments carefully selected to enhance rather than overshadow the seafood. These sides are essential for balancing flavors and providing depth to each bite.
Traditional sauces such as mignonette and cocktail sauce are a staple, prepared in-house daily to ensure freshness. Additional options include fresh lemon wedges, horseradish, and a variety of house-made vinaigrettes and infused oils that add subtle layers of flavor.
The condiments are thoughtfully crafted to allow diners to customize their experience, highlighting either the briny, sweet, or spicy notes of the seafood.
Popular Condiments and Pairings
- Classic Mignonette Sauce: A tangy blend of shallots, vinegar, and cracked black pepper.
- Cocktail Sauce: Tomato-based with horseradish and a hint of spice for a zesty kick.
- Fresh Lemon Wedges: Essential for brightening flavors and cutting richness.
- Wasabi and Soy Sauce: Traditional accompaniments for sashimi and crudo dishes.
“The right accompaniments elevate the raw bar experience, allowing the seafood’s natural flavors to shine.” — Culinary Director
Beverage Pairings: Enhancing the Raw Bar Experience
The Drift Raw Bar Menu is thoughtfully paired with a beverage list designed to complement and elevate the flavors of raw seafood. From crisp, mineral-driven white wines to light, effervescent sparkling options, the beverage pairings are curated to balance the brininess and texture of the menu items.
In addition to wine, a selection of craft cocktails and local beers is available, each chosen to provide refreshing contrasts or harmonious complements to the raw bar’s offerings. The bar staff is well-trained to recommend pairings based on individual preferences and specific menu choices.
These pairings are an integral part of the dining experience, enhancing both flavor and enjoyment while highlighting the raw bar’s freshness and diversity.
Recommended Beverage Pairings
| Seafood Item | Recommended Wine | Cocktail Option |
| Oysters | Muscadet, Sauvignon Blanc | Classic Gin Martini |
| Clams and Mussels | Chablis, Pinot Grigio | Light Mojito |
| Crudo and Sashimi | Albariño, Riesling | Yuzu Sour |
| Crab and Lobster | Chardonnay, Champagne | Old Fashioned |
“Pairing the right drink with raw seafood unlocks new dimensions of flavor and enjoyment.” — Sommelier
Conclusion
The Drift Raw Bar Menu offers a masterful celebration of the sea’s finest ingredients, presented with thoughtful attention to freshness, sustainability, and culinary artistry. Each section of the menu—from oysters to crab, from crudo to shellfish platters—invites guests to savor the ocean’s bounty in its purest and most delicious forms.
Whether you are a seasoned raw bar enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the diverse offerings provide ample opportunity to explore new flavors and textures. The carefully crafted accompaniments and expert beverage pairings enhance every bite, transforming the meal into a full sensory experience.
Ultimately, Drift’s raw bar is an invitation to connect with the ocean through food, celebrating the nuanced tastes and textures that make seafood so captivating. It’s a place where quality and craftsmanship meet to create memorable moments for every guest, making it a destination for anyone who values fresh, exquisite seafood.
