Are you enjoying Ocean City’s Second Season as much as me? One place where you can still go to relish in stunning sunsets, delicious food, and fun entertainment is Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill on 54th Street and the bay. I went to the bayfront, open-air restaurant on Tuesday for their Bon Voyage Party, and to say goodbye to the college students who provide cordial service year after year. Luckily, several familiar faces remain and have plenty of fun on tap until the establishment closes for the season in mid-October.
    Manager and friend, Brian Acquavella, welcomed Brandi, Jill, and me to Macky's and led us to a premier indoor table next to breezy open windows on the water. Ali was our perky and professional server, and she made sure our dining experience at Macky's was the best of the best. Although Tuesday was the last official Tuesday night theme party with DJ Yummy at Macky's, live entertainment is scheduled each weekend, and happy hour takes place daily from 4-7 p.m. With unobstructed sunsets, tiki torches throughout the outdoor dining beach area, and an expansive deck, Macky’s is the premier spot to celebrate happy hour.
    Ali recited the daily specials, which sounded way too good to resist. Fresh fish, pasta of the day, entrée specials, and dessert specials change daily. On Tuesday, the Fresh Fish were Salmon, Mahi-Mahi, and Tilapia. Fish Specials were Seared Mahi-Mahi with Crab and Corn Chowder, Garlic Mashed Potato, and Vegetable medley; and Roasted Salmon with Gulf Shrimp, Pineapple Teriyaki sauce, Blended Rice, and Vegetable medley. The Pasta of the Day was Sautéed Chicken & Shrimp over Penne Pasta with Red Pepper Tomato cream sauce. Desserts of the Day were Chocolate Mousse Cake, Key Lime Pie with Raspberry Sauce, and Red Velvet Smith Island Cake—Maryland’s official dessert.
    Head Chef Mike Cosman was eager to share his culinary creations with us, and he started by sending out a large bowl of Maryland Crab Soup and a bowl of Cream of Crab Soup, which happens to be my number one favorite. He also presented us with Coconut Shrimp, Jerk Chicken, and Market Tomato Salad. Both soups were divine, and were the ideal start to our dinner as a cool fall breeze wafted through the restaurant. The Maryland Crab Soup is chunky and flavorful, and Jill aptly described the Cream of Crab Soup as “not too thick, with the perfect touch of sherry.” Our Jamaican Jerk marinated chicken breast tenders are served with honey Dijon and orange-cilantro salsa, while the golden Coconut Shrimp are served with a Pan-Asian and mango dipping sauce and pineapple salsa. Thick sliced, fresh local tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, the Market Tomato Salad is Brandi’s favorite, and is served over mixed greens dressed with a lemon vinaigrette, balsamic reduction, and basil oil and crostini.
    Other delectable appetizers at Macky’s are Texas Ribs, Crab Dip, Fiesta Chicken Quesadillas, and Steamed Clams and Shrimp. If you’re really hungry, order the Super Chicken Nachos. Cheddar-jack cheese, refried beans, boneless chicken breast, lettuce, pico de gallo, jalapeño peppers, guacamole, and sour cream are more than enough food for a table to share. Extra large salads include Coconut Shrimp, Caesar, Buffalo Chicken, and Jerk Chicken. My favorite salad is the Boaters Choice—dried cranberries, candied walnuts, cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet red onions, and fresh catch of the day served over a bed of mixed greens.
    For our entrées, we couldn’t resist ordering the daily specials. Jill opted for the Roasted Salmon, Brandi ordered the Seared Mahi-Mahi, and I selected the Sautéed Chicken & Shrimp Penne Pasta. My dish was accompanied by a delicious Field of Greens salad, and the tomato cream sauce perfectly complemented the large, sautéed shrimp and tender chicken. As much as Jill and Brandi enjoyed their fish, both seemed just as impressed with their side items. Brandi loves garlic mashed potatoes, and Jill cherished every bite of her summer vegetables.
    Another best selling entrée at Macky’s is the Texas “kick ass” Ribs. A full rack of dry rubbed baby back ribs, slow roasted and slathered in sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, the plate is served with Cole slaw and sweet corn on the cob. “Our ribs are sooooo good,” says Brian. Another mouthwatering option is the 12 ounce N.Y. Strip, grilled or blackened to your liking and served with garlic red-skinned mashers and sweet corn on the cob. Maryland Style Crab Cakes are all jumbo lump at Macky’s, and the Three Way Sauté is a delicious blend of jumbo lump crab meat, gulf shrimp, sea scallops, vine ripe tomatoes, and mushrooms in a white wine herb-butter sauce. Seafood lovers should also try the Andouille Encrusted Grouper—grouper fillet encrusted with andouille sausage, pan seared, and topped with gulf shrimp and Cajun cream sauce. Macky’s Chicken Chesapeake is a combination of pan seared and roasted chicken breast, jumbo lump crab meat, Parmesan, and crab cream sauce. Jambalaya, Stuffed Tilapia, BBQ Caribbean Shrimp, and 10-ounce Sirloin Steak top off the entrees menu. Crab Alfredo, Shrimp and Scallop Creole Alfredo, Chicken Pasta Mamou, and Tuscan Chicken Pasta comprise the alluring pasta menu.
    For light fare, Macky’s offers an exciting variety of Pizza, Burgers, and Sandwiches. Broiled or fried, the Maryland Crab Cake Sandwich is a winner. The Portabella sandwich consists of roasted portabella mushrooms, sautéed onions, roasted sweet peppers, lettuce, Swiss cheese, and pesto mayo on a sundried tomato and herb focaccia roll. Other overstuffed sandwiches, served with fries and a pickle, include Veggie Wrap, Macky’s Club Wrap, Grilled Chicken Milan, South Carolina BBQ, Catch of the Day, Fried Rockfish, Buffalo Chicken, Southwestern Chicken, and a Foot Long Dawg. Pizza is available with jerk chicken, BBQ chicken, or Thai-chili shrimp. You may also create your own pie or order a Margherita or Roasted Tomato and Basil Pizza. All of Macky’s burgers are a half-pound of top quality, certified Angus Beef. The Bistro Burger is topped with caramelized onions, Gorgonzola cheese, bacon, and garlic-mustard mayo. The Cowboy Smoker is topped with smoky thick cut bacon and hickory smoked cheddar cheese on a fresh Kaiser roll with lettuce and tomato.
    All in all, Macky’s satisfying food and gracious service awed my girlfriends and me.  Brandi and I consider ourselves to be Ocean City’s most eligible bachelorettes, and we consider Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill to be staffed with Ocean City’s most eligible bachelors. In fact, Macky’s is a hotspot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, as well as weddings and private parties. For more information, visit www.mackys.com <http://www.mackys.com/>  or call (410) 723-5565. Needless to say, after our dinner we moved to the bayfront bar and socialized with the friendly and handsome staff at Macky’s. We won’t miss the closing party either. We agree with the restaurant’s motto, “Macky’s… where life is good.”