Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille offers gracious service, stellar atmosphere, and exquisite food. The expansive restaurant on 66th Street is three-levels high, including a rooftop sky bar with dining, lounge areas, sunset views, and a raw bar. The restaurant premiered a new menu this month, featuring scrumptious recipes such as Pistachio Encrusted Rockfish and Seafood Pasta—gemelli pasta with scallops, mussels, Maryland crabmeat, sautéed squash, and tomatoes in a fresh pesto broth.
    Owned by local proprietors Roger & Tammy Cebula, Galaxy 66 features modern décor and funky elegance. Live music, such as the Philly George Project, entertains the dinner and happy hour crowds. With welcoming smiles, Roger & Tammy greet customers at the door and at their tables, as do the friendly hostesses, bartenders, and servers who recognize returning faces and greet loyal customers by name.
    My fiancé, Joey Steward, and I visited Galaxy 66 three times last week. The kind service and exceptional menu keep us returning. We devoted a “date night” to wine & dine at Galaxy 66, where we started our three-course meal with a slightly chilled bottle of red wine and the locally-famous Seared Scallops appetizer. Humongous, meaty scallops are topped with pickled jalapeños, crispy sweet peanut goat cheese, and a cranberry relish and port reduction. This combination of flavors is unparalleled. “Before I began working here, I’d been coming to Galaxy 66 for years just to order the Seared Scallops,” said our lovely server, Melissa. Not only did Melissa immediately greet us and tell us more about the new menu, but also she consistently checked on us every five minutes to ensure our satisfaction. We really appreciate the level of professionalism that the Galaxy 66 staff demonstrates.
    Every day, Galaxy 66 prepares a Seared Rare Tuna appetizer in an innovative way. We ordered the Seared Rare Tuna with chili slaw and soy sauce, which was delectable. Other appetizers on the menu at Galaxy 66 are Tenderloin Tips, Shrimp over rice and vegetable stir fry, and Mussels in lemon and chardonnay broth, topped with shaved izabel cheese and bacon. Smoked Salmon, Assorted Cheeses, and Foi Gras with an apple purée and toasted almonds are additional appetizers on the menu. You can also indulge in four thick slices of House Made Bacon with sweet brown sugar and bourbon glaze.
    For our entrées, Joey and I ordered the Seafood Pasta and the Filet Mignon. The Seafood Pasta is brimming with chunks of meaty scallops, mussels, and crab. The savory broth makes the recipe a must try. Served over house made smashed potatoes with aged Parmesan cheese, the Filet Mignon is drenched in truffle demi-glaze and served with roasted asparagus.
    Other popular entrées at Galaxy 66 include Crab Cakes, Pan Seared Pork Chops, and Duck Breast—served over seaweed salad with sake soy reduction and crispy wontons. The Lobster Club is lobster meat served over mixed greens, apples, bleu cheese, smoked scallops, and apple butter mayo with crispy pita “stars.” The Oven Roasted Jamaican Half Chicken is served over jasmine rice with a pineapple and pepper sauté and pan sauce. I recommend the Seared Halibut—sweet lemon purée, black pepper roasted potatoes, and cucumber and tomato salad. Vegetarian? Try the Local Farmer’s Market Sauté with local veggies in garlic, extra virgin olive oil, white wine, and pecorino Romano.
    Open for lunch at 11:30 AM, Galaxy 66 is well known for its sandwiches and light fare. The Award-Winning Cheesesteak consists of slow-roasted ribeye, caramelized onions, chiffonade romaine, chimichurri mayo, garlic, and herb cheese sauce. Soups and salads are also on the menu, and you can add foie gras, jumbo shrimp, crab cake, or duck breast to any entrée.
    At the top of the restaurant’s winding staircase, you’ll find panoramic views of Ocean City’s skyline, along with the freshest raw bar. The Skye Bar features irresistible entrées and light fare options until late night that are perfect for sharing. Seared Mahi Mahi and Coconut Encrusted Tilapia over a mango pico de gallo are two excellent choices. Grilled Rib Eye and Fried Green Tomatoes with grilled squash, goat cheese, and red pepper coulis are equally delicious. Try the Chicken Roulade for Serrano ham-wrapped chicken breast stuffed with jalapeño cheddar cheese with a tomatillo sauce.
    Bacon Cheeseburger and Fried Oyster Sandwich are a few of many options at Skye Bar. Locals love the Lobster Mac and Cheese and the Sweet & Sour Tempura Chicken Bites. I recommend the Oysters Rockefeller—creamy garlic spinach and bacon served over local Mid-Atlantic Oysters. Clams Casino, Mexican Braised Pork, Crab Dip, and Crispy Fried Calamari are additional appetizers at Skye Bar.
    Joey and I topped off our meal with the best dessert I’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring—Chocolate Box. Resembling a Chinese food carryout box, the Chocolate Box is a hard chocolate shell filled with chocolate mousse, caramel, and vanilla, topped with fresh fruit slices and strawberry syrup, and served with a steak knife. This dessert reminds me of the world’s largest chocolate truffle, and it is hands-down my favorite dessert.
     Galaxy 66 Bar & Grille and Skye Bar is open through lunch, happy hour, dinner, and late night. The Skye Bar is definitely a scene to see and be seen. Learn more at www.galaxy66barandgrille.com or call 410-723-6762. View photos on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SkyeBarOC.