Oysterville Ricky at The Chart Room at Crosby’s

For most of us, the “new normal” somehow feels anything but. Fortunately, enjoying an adult beverage is still on the table as long as said table offers food prepared on premises to accompany those libations. If you are yearning for a little grownup time, and a properly made cocktail paired with a kickass view checks many of your boxes, a trip to the Chart Room at Crosby’s in Osterville may be just what you need. This casual eatery offers both inside and outside seating (for approximately 70 due to mandated spacing). Deck seating is especially prime real estate for taking in some postcard-worthy water views.

Opened four years ago by Tom Gordon and David Jarvis, the same partnership responsible for the legendary Chart Room in Cataumet, Osterville’s sister operation holds true to the tenets of the original locale (fresh seafood, great drinks) while offering its own smaller-scale charm. Housed on the ground floor of the building owned by the Osterville Anglers Club, this nautical-themed pub is a popular spot with a diverse clientele of locals, fishermen, golfers, boaters and visitors. The blender at the Osterville Chart Room is also capable of churning out a mean frozen mudslide, which happens to be Cataumet’s signature beverage. Head bartender and front of the house manager Kevin Gordon, co-owner Tom’s son, has also curated a cocktail menu here with a decided emphasis on vodka, tequila and rum concoctions. “One thing this pandemic has allowed me to do,” states Gordon, “is to be a little more creative in the cocktail making process. Many of these drinks feature house-made syrups.”

These days bellying up to the bar may not be an option, but seating at a high-top table adjacent to the bar may be the next best thing. Social distance is still maintained and provides us a view of our masked bartender in action. We decide to put our faith in Kevin’s capable hands and order a cross-section of cocktails from the menu. Hands down, though, our numero uno pick for both flavor and aesthetics is the Oysterville Ricky, reminiscent of that New England soda fountain classic, the raspberry lime rickey.

With a quick flick of the wrist, Gordon flips a pint glass upright, ices it and begins expertly concocting. Fresh lime juice is followed by a housemade mint simple syrup, a squeeze of luscious raspberry purée and a shot of Oysterville vodka. For those not familiar with the brand, Oysterville is a corn-based, gluten-free vodka started by a couple with Osterville roots (check out Edible Cape Cod, Summer 2016 for the background story). A vigorous shaking culminates with the blended mixture being poured into a Collins glass where it receives a blast of soda water. The result: a beautiful frothy berry-red-hued beverage sporting both a fragrant mint sprig and a lime wedge.

I eagerly wrap my hands around the tall glass placed before me. A wave of nostalgia envelopes me with the first sip. I am transported back to a time when a trip to Brigham’s Ice Cream Parlor for a coveted Raspberry Lime Rickey was the ultimate treat. This adult take (let’s not forget about the vodka), enhanced with the subtle hint of mint, offers the same refreshing, fizzy fruitiness that my taste buds remember. Gordon has used a deft hand with his proportions and the balance of flavors in the resulting elixir has me sighing with pleasure. The sweetness of both syrup and purée have been tempered perfectly by the tartness of the lime juice. The Oysterville vodka adds a smooth component to the overall composition. It’s no wonder that the Oysterville Ricky is the Chart Room at Crosby’s bestseller.

The Chart Room at Crosby’s also offers bottled beers including domestic, imported and a good-sized selection of craft brews. The wine list presents a nice mix of both Old and New World wines, including a citrusy La Cana Albariño (Spain) that pairs nicely with a lot of the fresh seafood offered by head chef Tom Gordon (bartender Kevin’s older brother) and his back of the house crew. My table gave a big thumbs up to the clams casino and the blackened swordfish tacos.

Somehow, we have muddled our way through adapting to all the changes in our universe over the last six months. As we drift into fall, it’s okay to safely indulge in some of life’s pleasures. Autumn is the perfect time on Cape Cod to get out and enjoy some spirit boosting. So, join me in raising an Oysterville Ricky and let’s toast to smoother sailing ahead. Cheers!

Chart Room at Crosby’s
330 West Bay Road, Osterville
chartroomcrosbys.com
Call-ahead seating available, (774) 602-8156
Hours (check online for updates):
Labor Day to Columbus Day: Lunch Thursday-Sunday, Dinner seven nights a week
Columbus Day to December: Lunch Saturday & Sunday, Dinner Thursday-Sunday