This Inman Square institution accomplishes the impossible. It specializes in seafood AND barbecue ? and does both very well. With its sky-blue walls, ?live? volcano mural and animal drink ornaments, this laid-back restaurant does not take itself too seriously. But owner Chris Schlesinger?s dazzling food is another matter entirely. A fine raw bar offers clams; oysters; crab claws; Old Bay seasoned peel-and-eat shrimp; and spicy shrimp cocktail. For seafood lovers, mouthwatering selections include the grilled jerk-rubbed salmon with banana-guava; grilled coriander-crusted swordfish; and white pepper-crusted tuna with spicy bok choy salad. If you have a taste for finger-licking barbecue, try the sliced Texas beef BBQ, the Missouri spareribs or the melt-in-your-mouth heap of shredded North Carolina pork BBQ. The place is also famous for its three-times-a-year ?Hell Nights,? where dishes are flavored with the ultimate hot sauce, Inner Beauty. The night features the nine alarm ""Infamous Pasta From HELL,? which requires diners to sign a release form before ordering! For gourmet seafood and/or a mean barbecue in a relaxed environment, there is no better place than the East Coast Grill.
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