Early Withdrawal, cuts from the Watt.

Closing another account. Pulling back to save the fins; 38th and Castles, 7/22/2021.

    It had been a tough day, and a long week. I was pretty sure we were all looking forward to a relaxing evening. Hit the 38th Street and Castles surf break for the first time this year. Endless Summer Surf Shop marked the right turn for parking. Usually a point break at Castles. The local surf report had said thigh to waist high shorebreak. We've always said, "you don't know until you go." In this case...like that rare weather report, it was truthful. The tide was up, which made the break enticing enough to try, but unless the thigh-high swell was caught at the point, it would pass you by. If'in ya caught it, you had to angle parallel, or pull out early...and no one likes early withdrawals. Meanwhile, back on the the beach, LWatt and Target were playing chicken with the rising tide; each break coursing further inland until they'd be forced to move backwards from a position they had just gotten comfortable in. An evening that seemed destined to pull up stakes early, no matter where we were. We all had antsy feelin' when we left.

   Our destination of choice...I'll say it...my choice, of the evening was Crawl Street Tavern on Wicomico and Baltimore. Formerly known as the Pour House, they had the classic rock band "Jacked UP" was to be on stage. Our first sign: upon arrival we had no problem finding parking, however it took LWatt a good 15 minutes to get our location to show up on the very un-user friendly app. Upon crossing the threshold, the brut force of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Simple Man slapped us...and thanks to the band's sound man, kept our ear drums ringin'...sign two. Target and I ordered a couple of icy cold Miller Lites...good stuff!

Yet, combining the ear-splitting decibels, LWatt struggling to hold the menu still to read it, and the hint of a dive bar that had been treated for all the smokers' 2nd hand, we decided to make our next early withdrawal...exit, stage right, out the door and up the street towards the Boardwalk and the OC's definitive Cork Bar. Been here before as it has always been touted as the home of the Coldest Beer in Ocean City. We set out to compare to Crawl Street's icy glass. I think after our next two Coors Light's, we agreed...cold $hit! This is how we like our beer. With the ice forming on top and sliding down the sides. It helped that these two bars were owned by the same folks. At this point I will say the Cork Bar with it's perfect combination of modern and classic rock flowing from a digital jukebox, held an atmosphere much more conducive to holding a conversation, which we enjoyed for the balance of the night. The trials of the evening raised our appetites and we put in for a Sack Of Mini-Burger Sliders, Old Bay Wings, and the Tuna Salad Sandwich.

Digging in, we unanimously agreed, the wings- juicy, hot, and Eastern Shore spicy, were among the best Old Bay wings we've had in a long while. The sliders were tender and had a great seasoned taste as well. The tuna sandwich was meh, but came with plenty of fries and we left nothing behind. The Cork Bar is definitely a locals favorite, and it's classic fare, plenty of TVs, pool tables, and good service made this the archetype OC dive. Sometimes, it's best to go with what you know. It makes the Survival Journey more bearable. No withdrawal here. We will be back.

THE RATINGS-

Beer: B+ (CAB-Cold Ass Beer!)

Old Bay Wings: A-

Sack of Burger Sliders: B+

Tuna Salad Sandwich: C

Atmosphere: B

Value: B+

Overall Score = 3.08