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Ama Raw Bar - East Village
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ama Raw Bar - East Village
8.1
A lively East Village raw bar with Asian-leaning sauces, shareable seafood plates, and a real happy-hour pull for oysters. It’s strongest when you treat it like a structured order: something chilled, something saucy, and one warm, comforting bowl to finish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Happy hour oysters, Drunken mussels, Lobster ramen
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Asian-influenced raw bar seafood with a high-energy happy-hour oyster scene.
Who should go: Oyster lovers and cocktail-forward seafood dates
When to visit: Happy hour early evening for best pacing
What to order: Oysters, drunken mussels, lobster ramen
Insider tip: Go chilled-first, then one hot dish—don’t over-order early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited in Alphabet City and tough after 6pm. Rideshare or public transit is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Casual-trendy. Jeans are fine, but lean polished—this is a cocktails-and-seafood crowd, not beach casual.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but expect background buzz, especially during happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; easy walk-in
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but possible—small plates, sides, and some broths work with smart ordering.
Vegan options: Very limited; better for pescatarians than strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Several seafood-forward options are naturally gluten-free, but sauces may contain gluten—confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you like energy. The raw bar format and shareable plates create an easy, interactive flow without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early evenings, but expect waits during happy hour and weekends. Bar seating turns over quickly and is a good backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The vibe skews adult, cocktail-driven, and busy—better for dates or nights out than family dining.
Best For
Better for: Happy-hour oysters, bold Asian-leaning seafood flavors, and a lively date-night atmosphere compared to more classic raw bars.
Skip if: You want a quiet seafood dinner, large entrées, or a family-friendly setting—traditional seafood restaurants will suit you better.
Ama Raw Bar - East Village
8.0
A compact raw bar that’s strongest when you use happy hour to front-load seafood and keep the rest of the meal light. The best experience is a disciplined order: oysters first, one chilled seafood plate, then a single hot bite before you move on.
Must-Try Dishes:
oysters, shrimp cocktail, lobster bao buns
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A happy-hour-friendly raw bar where oysters are the main event.
Who should go: Seafood people chasing a tight early-evening plan
When to visit: Happy hour for oysters and chilled plates
What to order: Oysters, shrimp cocktail, lobster bao buns
Insider tip: Order oysters immediately, then decide the rest while you eat them.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only and very limited; expect to circle or use a nearby garage if driving.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual — jeans are fine, but polished tops and date-ready looks fit the room better.
Noise level: Low to moderate — intimate and conversational, though it tightens up as seats fill.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak happy hour.
Weekday lunch: No wait or very short wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few small plates or sides, but not a full meal without seafood.
Vegan options: Very limited — best avoided if avoiding seafood entirely.
Gluten-free options: Good for raw bar items like oysters and shrimp; hot dishes may require asking about sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s intimate, focused, and feels intentional, especially if you lean into oysters and a drink rather than a full dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during early happy hour or off-peak weekdays, but weekends fill quickly due to the small footprint.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — the space, menu, and pacing are geared toward adults and date-style dining.
Best For
Better for: Focused oyster happy hours, tight seafood-driven dates, and solo diners who want quality without commitment.
Skip if: You want a full seafood feast, a large group table, or strong non-seafood options — larger raw bars or seafood brasseries will suit you better.