The Palihotel has welcomed a fresh culinary experience with the opening of Maritime Boat Club on June 24. Hidden behind a curtain in the wooden Bar Maritime, this new restaurant offers a casual seafaring vibe reminiscent of a ship lost in the belly of Monstro from Pinocchio.
Maritime Boat Club is the latest venture from the team that brought you the new Union Square bar, now featuring Chef Felix Santos, a notable alum of Atelier Crenn and Sorrel. This establishment aims to serve upscale seafood dishes that are financially accessible to a wider audience, though there will still be some highlighted pricier items for special celebrations.
Most menu options are priced under $30, and many wine selections are below $100, establishing an inviting atmosphere for budget-conscious diners. Santos’s culinary approach is heavily influenced by Mexican flavors, a nod to his heritage and the culinary insights of his wife, Chef Sofia Lechuga-Santos.
At the new restaurant, the snacks previously crafted by consultant Chef George Dingle for Bar Maritime will be replaced with creative seafood dishes. Highlights include Tomales Bay mussels that are steamed and marinated with seasonal vegetables before being fried and paired with toasted bread in an escabeche style.
Another intriguing dish features peppers stuffed with cod and scallop, creating a “seafood sausage” that encourages diners to savor a rustic texture. Santos emphasizes that he aims to showcase seasonal produce that complements the coastal bar’s offerings.
As part of the menu evolution, the previous steak frites will be replaced by a bistro burger, a dish Santos is passionate about. After enjoying an ABV burger shortly before the interview, he believes it reflects his culinary journey, especially a year he spent in Tulum, Mexico, where he and his wife indulged in burgers near the beach.
Larger plates on offer include grilled ikejime halibut served with bay laurel bearnaise from Jooharian Farms and white asparagus. Adventurous diners might opt for the extravagant Kraken, a $125 seafood tower that features a stunning assortment including Hog Island sweetwater oysters, jumbo gulf shrimp, and tuna tartare.
For those looking for a meaty indulgence, the $140 Painted Hills cote de boeuf promises a rich experience with accompaniments like McGinnis Ranch purple haze carrot and guajillo sauce. The restaurant also boasts a beverage program led by Larry Piaskowy, who previously held positions at Rich Table and True Laurel, along with wine selections curated by Andrew Pettingell from Otium and Osteria Mozza.
Santos’s journey to Maritime Boat Club started through connections who recognized his talent and passion for seafood. An industry acquaintance from Atelier Crenn helped him land this exciting opportunity to reimagine the space that was previously occupied by the Burritt Room, known for its traditional charm.
With an emphasis on freshness, Santos is committed to sourcing ingredients directly from the ocean, ensuring diners receive the day’s best seafood. He envisions a menu that balances thoughtful and delectable dishes with options that won’t break the bank, while still allowing room for splurging on exceptional items like live scallops.
Maritime Boat Club, located at 417 Stockton Street, is open Tuesday to Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are currently available on Resy, positioning Maritime Boat Club as a must-visit destination for seafood lovers eager to experience upscale dining in a relaxed environment.
image source from：sf
