Flex Mussels.

This might be saying a lot, but I think Flex Mussels is my favorite restaurant in New York so far. It's the only restaurant I've actually gone back to already in my four short months here. Not only do I appreciate the witty name, but I love basically the entire menu at this place. On 82nd street between 3rd and Lexington, Flex Mussels is like a hip take on an old seaport staple. The décor is all crude wood, simple cape-reminiscent paintings, and blue and white accents. The atmosphere is very homey and welcoming, a nice change from some of the get-in-get-out NY places.

The menu is comprised of a few simple appetizers like salmon tartare or homemade clam chowder and a few salads, a few fresh fish dishes served grilled, charred, or fried, a solitary beef option, and... drum roll... an entire page of mussels options. There are 22 different styles of mussels, and a daily 23rd special preparation. These mussels, paired with thin, crispy, handcut french fries, are amazing! A few winners so far are the Dubliner, the Spaniard, and the Bisque. Flex Mussels also serves a daily variety of about 8 top-notch raw oysters on their raw bar menu. Their commitment to finding the best, freshest mussels and oysters is evident not only by their policies laid out on the menu, but in the actual quality of their shellfish. Amazing, basically.

Oh, and then there's dessert. The dessert creations include homemade, freshly deep-fried donuts and a homemade Whoopie Pie, along with a variety of other fun takes on classic dishes.

Flex Mussels also features a pretty good wine list, all bottles specifically chosen to complement the shellfish.

Go there.