Best of Westchester - Readers' Picks

Best Date Bar For Professionals

Raw never tasted so good

"Harrys of Hartsdale (230 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale 914-472-8777; harrysofhartsdale.com) is so serious about its raw bar that it offers an oyster glossary along with its menu. Like any place, the offerings are based on availability, but, for the most part, you can expect Fanny Bay, Denman Island (British Columbia), Pine Island, littleneck clams, Maine lobster, and shrimp. Want to impress your date? Order one of the chilled fruits de mer platters, creatively named The Pinta, The Nina, and The Santa Maria. All are accompanied by different variations of seafood along with savory (but never overpowering) mignonettes. Raw never tasted so good."

Renovations and an updated menu will transform Harrys

"Renovations and an updated menu will transform Harrys from a steakhouse to a bar and grill by winter. In the works: new light fixtures, beer taps and a more affordable menu with broader appeal (think burgers, bistro sandwiches, salads). The French doors that open to the sidewalk?? The exposed brick walls?? Both are staying.

New for fall: The new menu will be rolled out throughout the fall, and the real changes will come after the holidays. Look for angus sliders, right, Kobe beef hot dogs, chicken or steak panini, and barbecued pulled pork.

Insider tip: The bar makes an ice-cold vodka martini."

"A meal at Harrys of Hartsdale is surely a pleasure."

"Start with an ideal location, steps away from the Hartsdale Train Station, add an enthusiastic team lead by experienced and amiable restauranteur Steven Palm, a comfortable and attractive atmosphere, and a wonderful menu of straightforward fare that's great for a casual lunch, weekend brunch, visit with friends at the bar, or more formal dinner or private party. The successful result is the delightful Harrys of Hartsdale."

"Whether you choose the elegant second floor dining room or the casual main level, a meal at Harrys of Hartsdale is surely a pleasure."

"Bistro Fare with Urban Ambience."

"Harrys may be "of Hartsdale," but its spirit is pure Manhattan. This restaurant provides all the polish and sophistication of Midtown Manhattan bistros, but closer to home."

"Favorite Meals Out in 2002"

"Of the handful of oyster bars in the area, the pristine bar room at Harrys of Hartsdale is a beautiful, sophisticated spot for tossing back one or two dozen oytsers. Don't hold back."

Palm Plants Eatery in Hartsdale

"Work your way north on the Post Road to Hartsdale, and you'll find another Steven Palm creation, opened last month: Harrys of Hartsdale, in the old Rockwell's building, across from the train station. Its specialties: steaks up front, a raw fish bar in back. Its really three restaurants rolled into one: first-floor casual dining with an open kitchen featuring the raw bar; second-floor, more formal, dim lighting, more romantic; basement, private dining inside a wine cellar, with a wine tasting menu."

The raw bar is splendid...

"The raw bar is splendid. Prettily presented on raised platters filled with crushed ice, oysters proved luscious . . . . From a number of appealing appetizers, a generous portion of Prince Edward Island mussels proved exquisitely fresh, the tomato broth lively with chopped scallions and a breath of curry . . . . Lemon grass and ginger provided zing to five succulent sea scallops arranged around a 'pillow' of basmati rice and bits of lobster."

"The best of very rich desserts will please chocolate lovers, who will go for chocolate tear, a teardrop shaped, fabulous conglomerate of chocolates and textures."

Just Wild About Harrys

"The lower level holds a comfortable bar area with several tables and counter seating at a separate raw bar where one can watch Harrys' talented chefs in action."

"At three months, Harrys ran like a place open for years. Service was low-key but highly professional."