Located on the bayfront at 83rd Street, Jive is a happening nightspot with much to offer. A sophisticated wine & martini bar, the modern, edgy establishment features swank décor, including disco balls, stainless steel details, one-blade ceiling fans, fountains, retro lighting, red couches, and two-toned black-and-white flooring, just to name a few fine points.
    While the indoor section of Jive boasts tall tabletops, live entertainment, and an L-shaped stainless steel bar, the outdoor section expands onto a huge deck with panoramic sunset views. The marshland and Route 90 Bridge span create the perfect backdrop for cherishing Ocean City’s famous bayfront sunsets. Jive opens at 4:00 PM every day, and offers Happy Hour from 4-6 PM Friday and Saturday, all day and night on Sunday, and from 4-7 PM Monday through Thursday.
    Jive features live entertainment Tuesday through Saturday from 8 PM until midnight. The dance floor is the place to be when regionally popular acts such as Ginger, Electric Velvet, Old School, One Night Stand, Melissa Alesi, Joe Smooth w/ 2 Much Stuff, and Bill Dickson take the stage with acoustic and electrified performances.
    “Every night is a guaranteed good time at Jive,” said longtime manager Rodney. “But everybody comes to Jive on Friday nights to hear Bryan Clark. Inside and outside is always packed.” I enjoyed cocktails and a light fare dinner at Jive on Tuesday night this week when local musician Brant Quick was performing. I love his creative remix of my classic rock favorites, such as Tom Petty, and current hits like Mumford & Sons.
    I started my evening with a glass of red wine—Tierra Secreta Malbec—while I soaked in the sunset. My friend ordered her favorite cocktail, the Cucumber Crush with Hendrick’s gin, St. Germain, muddled cucumber, and agave nectar. The drink menu at Jive is notably sophisticated and includes innovative concoctions that are rare at the beach.  The Strawberry Basil is fresh muddled strawberry and basil, Stoli Vanil vodka, strawberry liquer, sour, and simple syrup. Berry Bliss, Lemontini, Peach Melba, and Espresso are a few more creative cocktails. Patron XO Dark Cocoa, Stoli Vanil Vodka, and Crème de Cocoa comprise the Chocolate Lust. The Hummingbird is your choice of a single serving or a full carafe for four comprised of St. Germain, La Marca Prosecco, fresh Lemon Zest, and sparkling water. You can also build your own Bellini. Jive will provide you with a table full of fresh fruit purées, champagne flutes, and a bottle of chilled La Marca Prosecco.
    Jive also offers an extensive wine list, sure to impress the most discriminating wine enthusiasts. Catena Malbec, Las Rocas Vinas Viejas Garnacha, Rodney Strong “knotty Vines” Zinfandel, and The Crusher Petite Syrah are just a few of many intriguing reds on the menu. Italy’s finest include Castello di Querceto Chianti, Colle dei Venti Barbaresco, and Banfi Brunello di Montalcino, just to name a few. White wine lovers can indulge in Fratelli Pighin Collio pinot grigio, Grgich Hills/Napa Valley chardonnay, Rodney Strong “Charlotte’s Home” Sauvignon Blanc, Williamettley Vineyards Riesling, Ferrari Carano “Bella Luce” white blend, and many more.
    Jive serves up an array of light fare cuisine to complement its cocktail menu, starting with an irresistible Cheese Board. Served with assorted crackers, grapes, olives, and strawberries, Jive’s Cheese Board tempts your palate with selections like Calbani Bel Paese, Boule d’or Mimolette, Istara P’tit Basque, and President Emmental. The menu graciously includes a detailed description of each cheese, such as creamy, mild, buttery, tart, nutty, and roasted. When in doubt, ask your server for recommendations. You’ll find that the servers, bartenders, and managers at Jive are each exceptionally knowledgeable and genuine.
    I opted to sample appetizers and a flatbread pizza at Jive. I started my meal with Rodney’s recommendation—Jive’s Jerk Wings. “Savory and unique, our Jerk Wings are the perfect combination of jerk and maple flavors,” explained Rodney. “They are the wings you can eat for breakfast.” Indeed, I discovered that the sweet and delicious wings smell good, taste even better, and are unlike any wing flavor I’ve ever experienced. I highly recommend trying them.
    I also ordered the Creamy Crab Dip with assorted crackers. Served steaming hot, this appetizer is cheesy with an enticing aroma. Other tempting appetizers on the menu at Jive are Fries, Yuengling beer-battered Fish & Chips with dipping sauce, Medium or Hot Wings, Mini Crab Cakes, and Smoked Salmon with goat cheese, red onions & capers. I also suggest ordering the Crab Louie for a plateful of jumbo lump crabmeat on a bed of lettuce, topped with Louie sauce.
    Jive offers Cream of Crab Soup every day, plus a Soup of the Day. Classic Caesar Salad is available, as well as Garden Salad with fresh vegetables and Gorgonzola cheese. The California Spinach Salad is a blend of baby spinach, onion, Gorgonzola cheese, caramelized walnuts, and dried cranberries. Grilled Shrimp or Chicken can be added to these refreshing salads. A seasonal delight, the Tomato Caprese is comprised of fresh mozzarella, basil, capers, and tomatoes with a touch of extra virgin olive oil.
    My fiancé ordered the Jive Burger—a homemade Angus beef patty, and we shared a Pollo Flatbread Pizza with grilled chicken and bacon. Jive’s Meat Lovers Flatbread is a concoction of sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, and homemade tomato sauce. Classic White Pizza is available, as well as Margarita with tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil. The best selling flatbread pizza at Jive is the Crab Pizza with mozzarella, provolone, extra virgin olive oil, and jumbo lump crabmeat.
    We topped off our meal with a sinfully delicious Tiramisu. Jive offers a fresh selection of seasonal desserts, along with plenty of dessert-style after-dinner drinks. For a photo gallery of the stunning scenery at Jive, browse the restaurant’s online photo gallery at www.ocjive.com or “like” their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jive-OC/102802653088902. Jive is located adjacent to Fresco’s restaurant on 83rd Street bayfront. Call 410-524-1111 for more information.