At Bar Susanne, the main event happens early. As the sun sets behind the Williamsburg Bridge, its reflection glimmers on the East River, and the west-facing room fills with a warm, amber light. This daily spectacle over the Brooklyn waterfront is the backdrop for a restaurant that has fully embraced its coastal setting. The service is built around this view, with an early evening aperitivo that has become a signature. The culinary selection is a direct reflection of the surroundings, focusing on seafood sourced from Long Island’s North Fork and other New York waterways. A wall of ice displaying the day’s catch is a central feature, presenting a raw bar of oysters, clams, and lobster. The kitchen's philosophy is both thoughtful and creative, with preparations that have come to define its reputation. Among these are pickled mussels with coconut and jugo verde, and a distinctive crab salad served with saltines. The cooking draws from coastal French and Italian traditions, but with bright, acidic notes of lime and chili that animate the local seafood. While the raw bar is a highlight, the offerings include more than just fruits of the sea. A dry-aged burger has gained its own following, as have the french fries, which are served with a notable shrimp-shell aioli. This blend of serious seafood and perfected comfort food extends to dessert, where playful ideas take shape in a fish-shaped galette with strawberry “scales” or mango sorbet served in an oyster shell. The beverage program complements the food, with a strong emphasis on martinis, some featuring olive-oil-washed gin, and agave spirits. Inside, the textured dining room, with its marble accents and Italian disco soundtrack, maintains a lively glow long after the sun has disappeared.