Tucked away on the water in the Village of Fenwick on Route 1, Charlie’s Bay Side is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the appetite. Family owned and operated since 1993, the bar and restaurant has developed a huge local customer base over the years. I visited Charlie’s Bay Side with my favorite redheaded companion, Stacey Payne, to sample the restaurant’s renowned fresh fish and seafood entrees. We found the tropical deck on the bay to be quite enchanting, and the interior dining room—featuring a fireplace and water fountain—is equally impressive. Owner Charlie Getz greeted us on the deck, and Stacey and I instantly agreed that Charlie’s Bay Side boasts a fun, tropical atmosphere.
    Our gracious server, Gwen,  told us about the daily specials and her favorite appetizers on the menu. Keeping in line with Charlie’s unbeatable prices, the specials were a 1.25-pound whole Maine Lobster for only $15.95, and a whole Maine Lobster and Crab Cake combo for just $23.95. For big appetites, Charlie’s Steamer special was a whole Maine Lobster, one pound of Steamed Clams, and half-pound of Steamed Shrimp. Gwen also highly recommended Scallops Florentine for an appetizer, and she revealed that Seared Ahi is Charlie’s personal favorite starter dish. She also suggested Lobster Spring Rolls, which are new on the menu this year.
    After considering the King Crab Cocktail, Sweet Potato Fries, Coconut Shrimp, and Wahoo Fingers, Stacey and I narrowed down our choices and decided to follow Gwen’s helpful suggestions. We ordered the Lobster Spring Rolls, which consist of lobster and Chinese vegetables, deep fired in wonton wrappers and served with a sweet Thai chili sauce. Crunchy and refreshing, the rolls are a delicious summer snack, especially when dipped in the sweet and spicy chili sauce. We also ordered Scallops Florentine—large sea scallops wrapped in applewood smoked bacon and served on skewers atop a bed of baby spinach with a spicy raspberry sauce. The scallops are gigantic, and this dish is large enough to order as a meal. Other tempting appetizers at Charlie’s Bay Side include steamed Clams or Shrimp, Jumbo Wings, Crab Balls, and Crab Dip. The Jerk Combo is a zesty concoction of shrimp and scallops wrapped in bacon and topped with a lip-smacking Jamaican jerk sauce.
    Attending to each table in the family-friendly dining room, Charlie stopped by to ensure we were satisfied with our scrumptious appetizers. For our entrée order, he suggested Lump Crab Cakes or Parmesan Encrusted Grouper, which is the restaurant’s bestseller. Charlie’s Bay Side presents a fantastic fresh fish selection. Stuffed Catch is your choice of Mahi or Grouper stuffed with creamy Crab Imperial. Grouper Picatta is fresh broiled grouper topped with a white wine and caper picatta sauce. Fresh Grouper may also be topped with Lobster Newburg Sauce. Mahi Mahi with Mango Salsa is a classic dish and a crowd pleaser.
    Other seafood entrées at Charlie’s Bay Side are Crab Imperial, Jumbo Fried Shrimp, and Alaskan King Crab Legs, which is one of my favorite dishes. Meat lovers will love the many beef and chicken options on the menu. N.Y. Strip is served blackened or grilled to your liking, and may be topped with a sweet bourbon glaze or Lobster Newburg sauce. Or, combo your N.Y. strip with crab imperial. Charlie’s 16-ounce Prime Rib is slow roasted, and may also be blackened. A tempting combination of char broiled chicken breast, crab imperial, and cheddar cheese, the Chicken Chesapeake is mouth-watering good. Other must-try entrées include Parmesan Encrusted Chicken with Blackened Shrimp and the Caribbean Combo—chicken breast marinated in Jamaican spices and topped with shrimp, scallops, and jerk sauce.
    Stacey and I ordered the Macadamia Encrustment  and N.Y. Strip Lobster Newburg.  The creamy Lobster Newburg sauce is full of lobster chunks and perfectly complements the tender steak. We loved it. The Macadamia Encrustment consists of fresh Mahi Mahi encrusted with macadamia nuts and panko breadcrumbs, served with a spicy raspberry sauce. Bursting with flavor, this Mahi Mahi dish is extremely enjoyable. Each entrée at Charlie’s Bay Side is served with a fresh breadbasket and choice of two sides. Try the Cole slaw or potato salad, both of which are homemade on the premises. Green beans and mashed potatoes are other side options. Most of the entrées on the menu cost less than $20.
    Charlie’s Bay Side also serves up an extensive list of sandwiches, including Shrimp Salad, Crab Cake, Chicken Club, Black Angus Burger, and Seared Ahi in a whole-wheat tortilla wrap. Try the California Turkey Wrap for a healthy blend of sliced turkey, Swiss and American cheese, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and chaptole mayo in a whole-wheat tortilla. A true classic, the Cubano is spicy Cuban pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and spicy mustard, grilled on Chiabatta Panini bread. “Irene’s Favorite” is broiled crab imperial served open faced on an English muffin and topped with cheddar cheese. The Dippy Chicken is a grilled chicken breast topped with lump crab dip and melted cheddar cheese on a toasted Kaiser roll with lettuce and tomato. Made with chicken breast, red grapes, sliced almonds, and a light mustard dressing, the Chicken Salad sandwich is divine.
    Maryland Crab, Lobster Bisque, and Seafood Chowder are the soup selections at Charlie’s Bay Side. Healthy salad choices include Greek, Spinach, Grilled Shrimp, Citrus Ginger Shrimp, Caesar, Grilled Tuna or Chicken, Jerk Shrimp or Chicken, and Nuts and Berries. Charlie’s Bay Side also offers an impressive wine list with modest prices. We couldn’t resist ordering a slice of White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake, which is sinfully delicious. Another sweet dessert option is Chocolate Lava Cake, which is served warm. A kid’s menu keeps the little ones happy, while games, televisions, and live music keep adults entertained in the separate bar room.
    Ocean City’s original modern rock band, The Chest Pains, have been bringing their vintage new age grooves to Charlie’s Bay Side throughout the summer. Stop by this week to rock out with Danny Shivers on Friday, Ricky Ramsey on Saturday, Wes Davis & Ray Holiday on Sunday, and Electric Velvet  on Wednesday. You can’t miss the large sign for Charlie’s Bay Side on Coastal Highway, just beyond the Delaware state line. The Village of Fenwick offers plenty of free parking. Visit Charlie’s Bay Side this week for a fun and tropical atmosphere, modest prices, and the best seafood in town.