Elias Corner

"NO MENUS. JUST FISH."

The greeting on the Elias Corner website pretty much sums up the entire Elias Corner experience. Are they yelling at you via cyberspace, commanding that you exclusively eat seafood? Sort of. Are they trolling you when they ask if you're ready to order even though nobody has told you what they serve? Sort of. But are you going to love whatever fish hits the table? Goddamn right you are.

Because by not sticking to some pre-set, laminated list of entrées, Elias Corner is able to follow the golden rule of seafood - what's fresh is what's best - and deliver A+ fish on a nightly basis.

If there is no line when you show up, congrats. If there is, it shouldn't be long, so take a minute to game plan. You could go with a light bite and get a salad and some swordfish kabobs. Or maybe it's a sardines into octopus into St. Peter's kind of night (oof that sounds like a good night). Regardless, the lineup of fish in the front is what you are choosing from, so by all means, tap on the glass.

The dining room out here will be loaded with locals in their local state, so don't be surprised if tables are getting chummy with the waiters. But if it's your first time, the staff will do its best to treat you like a regular too. Even when the dining room is crowded, Elias promises the same casual and comfy meal. Throw in a good cold Greek beer or bottle of white and you got yourself an evening. No bells, no whistles, (no credit cards), and no menus - just fish.

Food Rundown

Grilled Vegetables

Usually slices of zucchini and eggplant, drizzled in oil. Very basic but very tasty. The Elias way.

Whole Grilled Sardines

Another great order, especially if there are no Spearing available. Bigger and a bit meatier, these are a worthy substitute.

Fried Potatoes

Not sure what these are actually called but you want them. Ask nicely and you'll be fine.

Taramasalata/Tzatziki

The first is a fish roe dip from heaven. If you know it, this version will wow. If you don't, educate yourself. The tzatziki is less salt, more tang, equal parts delicious. Getting both might be overkill but liiiiiiike...

Grilled Octopus

Arguably the best octopus you can have in NYC and almost certainly the best octopus you'll have this year. If you can argue both of these statements, call me immediately, I need your life.

Whole Fish

"What's fresh tonight?" The answer to that question is what you want. Porgy, St. Peter's, whatever they serve, you eat, you like.

Spearing

Baby little fried fishes. Delicious salt and oil and lemon and crunch. If they have these, they are a must. Pop these bad boys in whole and don't mind the little bones along the way.

Grilled Shrimp

Because shrimp matters.

Dessert

They have a fried dough with honey and cinnamon option that tastes exactly like it sounds. By all means, order up, but nobody will be offended if you take your sweet tooth down the block to one of the many Greek pastry shops nearby instead.