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Docks Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Docks Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill
7.8
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Comfort Food Classics
Docks Oyster Bar is a longstanding Murray Hill seafood restaurant with an Art Deco–influenced room, large raw bar, and a menu of chowders, grilled fish, and classic mains. Since the late 1980s it has drawn office workers and neighborhood regulars for after-work oysters, seafood-heavy dinners, and private events near Grand Central.
Must-Try Dishes:
Raw oyster selection, New England clam chowder, Grilled striped bass with lobster mashed potatoes
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A roomy raw bar–centric seafood restaurant with decades of Midtown history.
Who should go: Seafood fans wanting a classic sit-down oyster bar.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour or early dinner for smoother service.
What to order: Oysters, clam chowder, grilled fish of the day.
Insider tip: Check the chalkboard for seasonal oyster and crab specials before ordering entrées.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited during weekday business hours; meters ease slightly after 7pm. Closest reliable option is nearby paid garages along 3rd Ave and E 40th St.
Dress code: Smart casual; office attire is common, but polished jeans and a button-down or blouse fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzier during happy hour near the bar but generally manageable for conversation in the dining room.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes without a reservation, especially during early-evening prime times.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait, though larger groups should book ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few suitable dishes (salads, pastas, veggie starters), but seafood dominates the menu.
Vegan options: Very limited—may require simple modifications; not a strong choice for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free seafood preparations; staff can guide on safe options, though no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a relaxed, classic seafood vibe—dim lighting and a polished room help, though the energy can lean lively during happy hour.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, especially at off-peak times. The bar area is the best bet for walk-ins, though reservations are recommended for prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy seafood; high chairs are limited and the menu skews more adult, so it’s better suited to families with school-aged children.
Best For
Better for: A broad raw bar selection, dependable classic seafood preparations, and a spacious dining room ideal for groups and after-work meetups.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge seafood, a quiet fine-dining atmosphere, or extensive vegan options—newer, more modern concepts in Midtown will serve those needs better.
Docks Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill
7.7
A few blocks from Grand Central, Docks Oyster Bar has been pouring martinis and shucking oysters since the 1980s, with an art deco main room and a sizable private dining space screened off from the floor. The draw for private events is straightforward: a strong raw bar, lobster rolls and grilled fish, plus a location that makes it easy for out-of-towners and office groups to converge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maine lobster roll, Raw-bar oysters on the half shell, New England clam chowder
Scores:
Value: 6.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Seafood-focused Midtown stalwart with a flexible, sound-separated private dining room near Grand Central.
Who should go: Seafood-leaning office groups and travelers meeting by the terminal.
When to visit: Oyster happy hour sliding into early dinner for smoother service.
What to order: Raw-bar oysters, lobster roll, chowder or grilled fish.
Insider tip: For presentations, ask events to configure the private room’s AV and curtain divider to buffer bar noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; metered street parking on 3rd Ave and side streets is limited, especially after 5pm. Closest reliable option is nearby garages on E 40th–41st Streets.
Dress code: Smart casual; office attire fits in, and jeans are fine if paired with a collared shirt or neat layers.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively in the main room during peak hours; the private dining space remains noticeably calmer with the divider closed.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak happy-hour turnover.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with steady corporate traffic but quick table turns.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options, including salads, veggie sides and occasional pasta or risotto; not a full vegetarian menu but workable.
Vegan options: Limited; salads and select sides can be adapted, but mains are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Good selection—raw bar, grilled fish and many mains are naturally gluten-free; staff is accustomed to the request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a relaxed, seafood-centric date that doesn’t require hushed intimacy. The art-deco space and solid cocktails help, but energy can run lively during happy hour.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at off-peak times. Arrive early during weekday happy hour if you want bar seating or a quicker table assignment.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy seafood; highchairs are limited, and the room skews adult during peak bar hours.
Best For
Better for: Convenient Midtown meetups, a dependable raw bar, and group-friendly layouts with a true private dining option.
Skip if: You want a quiet, fine-dining seafood experience or extensive vegan options.