Four hungry people looking forward to a good meal. Average food. Average service. Strip-mall ambience. High prices. Not going back.
Dennis Perkins
Absolutely love this place! Whether it's for a happy hour with friends or a sumptuous meal, it never disappoints. The upscale ambiance and the exceptional staff elevate the experience. From well made drinks to delectable dishes and the company of amazing people, it truly offers everything you could wish for and more.Parking: It is in a strip center in Gulf Gate with plenty of parking.
Given the ‘strip-mall’ location, I was unprepared for the beautiful facade of Brine, which carried through to the interior decor, which was softly elegant, but comfortable.We went for a late lunch and it was nearly empty - but friends have said it’s a busy place once the cocktail, dinner, and evening hours arrive. The staff was fabulous - welcoming, friendly (asking and then calling us by name), knowledgeable, efficient, and attentive without being overbearing. The entire experience was a 5+. The pricing was a bit on the high side - though in their defense, that seems to be the way it is everywhere lately.The wide variety of oysters was something I’ve never seen anywhere! We came to try the highly recommended crab cakes, and shared the entree. $48 for two crab cakes, accompanied by mashed potatoes and broccolini. We left satisfied but not ‘full,’ which I suppose is a plus. The crab cakes were more like crab ‘balls’ - not large, but so full of lump crab and undetectable ‘else,’ and they almost exploded when we forked into them. I typically prefer a light sear to my crab cakes, but these were delicious, and probably the best I’ve ever had! (Baltimorians may disagree - but I haven’t had the Maryland crab cake experience!).After hearing the bartender’s description of the lobster roll to another group, they may be one reason for another visit - and those oysters - I’m curious to sample one (or more) of each!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Barbara Schmidt
I ordered the Ceasar salad with Salmon. The Salmon was fine, but the Ceaser salad was terrible. The croutons looked like they were from a box of Pepperidge Farm stuffing. The salad was nothing but iceberg lettuce, and the dressing seemed like it was out of an off the shelf bottle. The noise level in the restaurant was intolerable.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
Amy Pletcher Buck
The service was exceptional. I sat at the bar for dinner. Oysters, clams supreme. Great wedge salad with just the right size of filet for a perfect portion. Brine is $$$ but the service and menu are worth the price.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elena B.
Great atmosphere..cool bar and delicious food. Can't go wrong with the crab cakes! They were delicious!!
Danielle C.
Honestly it's our favorite place to go for a great meal! Best oysters and octopus around. Besides the delicious food, the bartenders and Mike, the owner, and just wonderful. We came for anniversary and left planning next trip back. Thank you for such a memorable experience.
Ginny B.
Lots of seating options great service and even better fresh seafood. Crab cakes to die for. Yum! Can't wait to go back
Natalia Pechenkina
Tasty! Fire oysters, service, fish, everything is very very ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
klea kelly
My meal was ok but not excellent I'm sorry to say. I brought up my specific concerns with server and she almost argued back about my concerns. $70 lunch for one with no alcohol. I would not recommend.
We stopped in for an early dinner, after a day at the beach. David was great and provided fantastic service. We would highly recommend the calamari, it was delicious! All of the food was fabulous ... the roasted veggies that came with the stuffed shrimp, were the perfect side dish. And don't hesitate to splurge on dessert! They said the carrot cake is their most popular, but we went for the Key Lime pie and it did NOT disappoint! We've already decided we have to go back, to try their famous crab cakes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Carbonara
Gabrielle Scotti
Amazing dinner! Highly recommend trying the charred octopus and pan seared snapper! Will definitely come back for dinner next time we are in town!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Three Types of Extremely Fresh Oysters, Arugula Salad, Charred Octopus
Andrea Shackelford
Our dinner at Brine was AMAZING. Our server Courtny was perfectly attentive and knew everything about the menu. She made our first time memorable. We got the crab cakes and snapper and both of our meals were delicious. I 10/10 will come back for the service and quality food.
Matt Owen
I always have the lobster pot pie, (only available on Wednesday), with a few select freshly shucked oysters.From the minute you walk in the door Cynd'll is there greeting you once again with a hello & that irresistible smile. Then you're bound to run into Chris who's always scrambling to ensure everything is top notch. Would not be the same without Nicole behind the bar coupled with Taylor slingin all the spirits with great companionship. If you're getting a table you must request Eddie, he is definitely the man with the plan. See ya next Wednesday guys & gals & keep up the great work!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Three Types of Extremely Fresh Oysters
Karen Valentine
Eddie was an awesome server. Never rushed us. We started with oyster Rockefeller- very tasty but small. Both of us got the crab cakes. They are pure lump sweet crabmeat. Eastern Maryland shore at its finest. Highly recommend!
Four hungry people looking forward to a good meal. Average food. Average service. Strip-mall ambience. High prices. Not going back.
Absolutely love this place! Whether it's for a happy hour with friends or a sumptuous meal, it never disappoints. The upscale ambiance and the exceptional staff elevate the experience. From well made drinks to delectable dishes and the company of amazing people, it truly offers everything you could wish for and more.Parking: It is in a strip center in Gulf Gate with plenty of parking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Drunken Clams, Lobster Carbonara, Stuffed Shrimp, Calamari
Given the ‘strip-mall’ location, I was unprepared for the beautiful facade of Brine, which carried through to the interior decor, which was softly elegant, but comfortable.We went for a late lunch and it was nearly empty - but friends have said it’s a busy place once the cocktail, dinner, and evening hours arrive. The staff was fabulous - welcoming, friendly (asking and then calling us by name), knowledgeable, efficient, and attentive without being overbearing. The entire experience was a 5+. The pricing was a bit on the high side - though in their defense, that seems to be the way it is everywhere lately.The wide variety of oysters was something I’ve never seen anywhere! We came to try the highly recommended crab cakes, and shared the entree. $48 for two crab cakes, accompanied by mashed potatoes and broccolini. We left satisfied but not ‘full,’ which I suppose is a plus. The crab cakes were more like crab ‘balls’ - not large, but so full of lump crab and undetectable ‘else,’ and they almost exploded when we forked into them. I typically prefer a light sear to my crab cakes, but these were delicious, and probably the best I’ve ever had! (Baltimorians may disagree - but I haven’t had the Maryland crab cake experience!).After hearing the bartender’s description of the lobster roll to another group, they may be one reason for another visit - and those oysters - I’m curious to sample one (or more) of each!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I ordered the Ceasar salad with Salmon. The Salmon was fine, but the Ceaser salad was terrible. The croutons looked like they were from a box of Pepperidge Farm stuffing. The salad was nothing but iceberg lettuce, and the dressing seemed like it was out of an off the shelf bottle. The noise level in the restaurant was intolerable.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
The service was exceptional. I sat at the bar for dinner. Oysters, clams supreme. Great wedge salad with just the right size of filet for a perfect portion. Brine is $$$ but the service and menu are worth the price.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great atmosphere..cool bar and delicious food. Can't go wrong with the crab cakes! They were delicious!!
Honestly it's our favorite place to go for a great meal! Best oysters and octopus around. Besides the delicious food, the bartenders and Mike, the owner, and just wonderful. We came for anniversary and left planning next trip back. Thank you for such a memorable experience.
Lots of seating options great service and even better fresh seafood. Crab cakes to die for. Yum! Can't wait to go back
Tasty! Fire oysters, service, fish, everything is very very ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My meal was ok but not excellent I'm sorry to say. I brought up my specific concerns with server and she almost argued back about my concerns. $70 lunch for one with no alcohol. I would not recommend.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Drunken Clams
Restaurantji Recommends
We stopped in for an early dinner, after a day at the beach. David was great and provided fantastic service. We would highly recommend the calamari, it was delicious! All of the food was fabulous ... the roasted veggies that came with the stuffed shrimp, were the perfect side dish. And don't hesitate to splurge on dessert! They said the carrot cake is their most popular, but we went for the Key Lime pie and it did NOT disappoint! We've already decided we have to go back, to try their famous crab cakes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Carbonara
Amazing dinner! Highly recommend trying the charred octopus and pan seared snapper! Will definitely come back for dinner next time we are in town!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Three Types of Extremely Fresh Oysters, Arugula Salad, Charred Octopus
Our dinner at Brine was AMAZING. Our server Courtny was perfectly attentive and knew everything about the menu. She made our first time memorable. We got the crab cakes and snapper and both of our meals were delicious. I 10/10 will come back for the service and quality food.
I always have the lobster pot pie, (only available on Wednesday), with a few select freshly shucked oysters.From the minute you walk in the door Cynd'll is there greeting you once again with a hello & that irresistible smile. Then you're bound to run into Chris who's always scrambling to ensure everything is top notch. Would not be the same without Nicole behind the bar coupled with Taylor slingin all the spirits with great companionship. If you're getting a table you must request Eddie, he is definitely the man with the plan. See ya next Wednesday guys & gals & keep up the great work!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Three Types of Extremely Fresh Oysters
Eddie was an awesome server. Never rushed us. We started with oyster Rockefeller- very tasty but small. Both of us got the crab cakes. They are pure lump sweet crabmeat. Eastern Maryland shore at its finest. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters Rockefeller