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Ocean Grill & Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ocean Grill & Bar
8.3
Ocean Grill & Bar is a Vietnamese seafood specialist where razor clams, shellfish, and deeply flavored pho share the table in a bright, beach-leaning dining room just west of Chinatown. It functions as both a destination for Hanoi-style dishes and a place to linger over shared plates and hot pots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled razor clams with scallion oil, Rare beef and brisket pho, Bun cha Hanoi
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Vietnamese seafood and pho in a full-service setting with standout shellfish.
Who should go: Groups craving Vietnamese seafood beyond standard pho shops.
When to visit: Evenings 6–9 p.m. when the room feels buzzy but not slammed.
What to order: Grilled razor clams, rare beef and brisket pho, bun cha Hanoi.
Insider tip: Plan to share a few shellfish dishes family-style before committing to big bowls of soup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding Pilsen/Chinatown blocks is available but can be competitive during dinner hours; expect to circle or walk a short distance. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sweaters are common, but many guests lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate — tables can converse comfortably, but it gets livelier during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though service pace is relaxed.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but present — some noodle and vegetable dishes can be made meat-free; seafood focus dominates the menu.
Vegan options: Very limited — most dishes rely on fish sauce, shellfish, or broths.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based dishes may be workable, but sauces and marinades often contain gluten; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well for a casual-to-semi-special first date if you’re both into adventurous seafood and shared plates. The room is lively rather than intimate, so it’s better for conversation over food exploration than hushed, romantic vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for smaller parties, especially early evening or weekdays. On busy weekends, walk-ins may face a wait — groups of four or more should book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — staff is accommodating and seating is spacious, but the menu skews seafood-heavy and portions are geared toward sharing. Best for older kids or teens who are comfortable with adventurous flavors.
Best For
Better for: Exploring Northern Vietnamese seafood dishes, shellfish platters, and pho with deeper, more layered broths than typical neighborhood pho shops — especially for groups sharing multiple plates.
Skip if: You’re seeking quick, inexpensive pho, a strictly vegetarian or vegan meal, or a very quiet, romantic atmosphere.
Ocean Grill & Bar
8.4
Set just west of Chinatown, Ocean Grill & Bar combines Vietnamese seafood dishes with robust bowls of pho in a brighter, sit-down setting. Diners use it when they want pho alongside razor clams, snails, and grilled shellfish rather than a strictly noodle-focused meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Pho, Seafood Pho, Grilled Razor Clams with Scallion Oil
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Vietnamese pho shares the spotlight with an unusually deep seafood menu, from grilled razor clams to tamarind-braised shellfish.
Who should go: Pho fans who also want Vietnamese-style seafood and shared plates.
When to visit: Weekend dinners for the fullest menu and group energy.
What to order: Beef Pho, Seafood Pho, grilled razor clams with scallion oil.
Insider tip: Build your table around one or two pho bowls plus several seafood specials so the broth doesn’t get lost in the order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along nearby side streets; easier earlier in the evening but can be tight during peak Chinatown/Pilsen dinner hours. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours, but you can generally hold a normal conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak windows, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait; walk-ins are commonly seated right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options, mainly tofu pho, vegetable sides, and a few non-seafood plates — but the menu leans seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — broths and sauces are often seafood-based; ask staff to confirm ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Pho rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible; soy- and marinade-based dishes may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well for a casual-but-nice first date if you’re both food-curious. The vibe is lively without being overwhelming, and sharing seafood plates can feel conversational.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a wait on weekend evenings. Smaller parties are seated faster; groups should reserve if possible.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally kid-friendly for older kids and teens who enjoy noodles and seafood. The menu is less tailored to very young children and there’s no formal kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Seafood-centric Vietnamese dining where pho is part of a larger shared-plates experience — ideal for groups who want something broader than a pho-only shop.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quick, budget pho bowl or a strictly traditional noodle house without seafood-focused pricing or shared-plate dining.