
Dock's Oyster House
An iconic Atlantic City seafood restaurant serving fresh catches and classic dishes in an elegant, historic setting since 1897.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Dock's Oyster House

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic Atlantic City seafood restaurant serving fresh catches and classic dishes in an elegant, historic setting since 1897.
Make Reservations
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for traditional seating. Consider walking in for bar seating.
Embrace Happy Hour
Enjoy great food and cocktails at fantastic prices during their extensive daily happy hour.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
$$$
Phone
(609) 345-0092
Address
2405 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA
Website
docksoysterhouse.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Seafood Institution
A legendary seafood spot since 1897, offering fresh catches and classic dishes in an elegant, timeless atmosphere.

Oyster Bar Delights
Savor a wide selection of pristine oysters, from raw bar classics to creatively prepared Rockefeller and grilled varieties.

Elegant Ambiance with Piano Music
Experience a charming dining room with old-world charm, enhanced by nightly live piano music for a sophisticated evening.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for traditional seating. Consider walking in for bar seating.
Embrace Happy Hour
Enjoy great food and cocktails at fantastic prices during their extensive daily happy hour.
Meet Chef Stephan
Don't miss the chance to meet Chef Stephan, known for creating culinary masterpieces.
Beat the Crowds
Visit on weekdays or early weekend hours to avoid the busiest times.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for traditional seating. Consider walking in for bar seating.
Embrace Happy Hour
Enjoy great food and cocktails at fantastic prices during their extensive daily happy hour.
Meet Chef Stephan
Don't miss the chance to meet Chef Stephan, known for creating culinary masterpieces.
Beat the Crowds
Visit on weekdays or early weekend hours to avoid the busiest times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dock's Oyster House is celebrated for its historical charm, fresh seafood, and excellent service, creating a memorable dining experience. While most reviews rave about the oysters, seafood specials, and attentive staff, some diners noted that steak dishes and certain fried items didn't quite meet expectations for the price.
"Had dinner at Doc’s Oyster House and everything was just so good. I had the shrimp and salmon risotto, my mom got the lobster roll, and we both started with the lobster bisque, both were soo delicious. You can tell everything was fresh. They also have a really nice wine list, which was a pleasant surprise. The vibe was relaxed and the service was on point, friendly without being overbearing. Just an all-around great spot. We’ll definitely be back."
Lakeisha Faulkner
"Dock's Oyster House is a seafood restaurant located on Atlantic Ave. in Atlantic City. They are open Mon - Thu 4PM - 9PM and Fri - Sun 4PM - 9:30PM. Reservations required.
I'd heard nothing but great things about Dock's, so I was excited to finally check it out!
My buddy and I had a 7:15 reservation and we were promptly seated upon arrival.
We started with the fried calamari. It was perfectly crispy and served with a flavorful marinara sauce, all rings, no tentacles.
For our entree, we decided to split the 16 oz lobster tail and the 12 oz filet mignon. Both were enjoyable, but they fell short of the wow factor we were anticipating. The lobster could have been served hotter and with a bit more natural sweetness, while the steak would have benefited from a more consistent cook throughout.
Our server, Taz, was fantastic! He was genuinely friendly, super personable, and incredibly helpful with navigating the menu. He really added to the experience."
Josh Huntington
"Reserved this place after watching Mark’s video. Food was exceptionally good. Super fresh seafood, great service and ambience. I really loved the grilled oyster with champagne sauce. We also ordered flounder and Halibut. Halibut melted in my mouth. It was so soft and tender. Ended our dinner with tiramisu which was great as well."
Janani Selvaraju
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for traditional seating, as the restaurant can get very busy.
Yes, Dock's Oyster House offers an extensive and popular daily happy hour with great food and drink specials available in the bar area.
Oysters, seafood specials, lobster, and classic dishes like New England clam chowder are highly recommended.
The atmosphere is elegant and timeless, with old-world charm and nightly live piano music creating a sophisticated ambiance.
Yes, valet parking is available for your convenience.
Dress is casual, but men are asked to refrain from wearing hats in the dining room.
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Dock’s was opened at the turn of the 20th century by Harry ‘call me Dock’ Dougherty and is now managed by a fourth generation Dougherty. The restaurant has stayed in the family and, more pertinently, stayed in business through two world wars and the variety of economic upturns and downturns in Atlantic City. While the interior of Dock’s may have changed over the decades, the spirit of the place has not and it remains one of the finest places in town for premium seafood and steaks.
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This spot has been around since before the invention of air conditioning, so everything on the massive menu has withstood the test of time. As the name implies, this is your opportunity to ball out on oysters, scallops, and whatever other seafood dishes call to you. You’re equally likely to see a bachelor party splitting a seafood tower or a family enjoying a nice evening dinner, so the vibes can be tailored to whatever occasion you’d like to celebrate.
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For a decidedly fancy happy hour or dinner, swing into Dock’s Oyster House, open since 1897 and still owned by the same family. The beautiful bar is the perfect place for a martini and a dozen oysters, and if visiting with more people, go for the decadent raw seafood sampler. Dock’s has been modernized and expanded over its more than 100 years in business but it still has a classic seafood-joint-meets-upscale-restaurant vibe.
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Owned and operated by the Dougherty family since 1897, the city's oldest restaurant serves seafood in a setting of wood and stained glass engraved with nautical scenes. Sample from the raw bar, try the flounder stuffed with crabmeat, or test your mettle against a hulking steamed lobster (they sell them up to 7 lbs). The wine list is expansive and reasonably priced.
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Dock’s Oyster House Old-school Atlantic City charm is the name of the game at Dock’s Oyster House, and this year they will offer several Easter dinner specials on Sunday, April 17, including a Vidalia salad with romaine lettuce, marcona almonds, cranberries, feta, cucumbers, fennel, celery, thyme and Vidalia onion dressing; prime rib served with fingerling potatoes and haricots verts; pan-roasted halibut with white wine, tomatoes and mushrooms and salmon risotto with grilled shrimp, tomato and asparagus. Reservations can be made for seatings between 2 and 8 p.m. Dock’s Oyster House is located at 2405 Atlantic Ave. in Atlantic City.
Where To Stay, Eat, Drink
Dock’s Oyster House, open since 1897, has all the fresh seafood you can eat. Elsewhere, there’s the Knife and Fork Inn, which has been welcoming visitors since it opened in 1912, or the hard-to-book Chef Vola’s, where classic red sauce dishes will transport you to another time. Chef Jose Garces’ twin restaurants, the Latin-infused, seafood-focused Olon and the Japanese-leaning Okatashe are both worth a trip, as is the iconic White House Sub Shop, known for the best hoagies outside Philadelphia (with a second location inside the Hard Rock).
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Dock’s Oyster House truly is a restaurant that has stood the test of time. Run by the Dougherty family since 1897, the late, great chef and food writer Anthony Bourdain once remarked on this spot: "Dock’s Oyster House, an establishment that survived Prohibition, the Great Depression, two World Wars, numerous declines, and rebirths – still here, still great." Try the legendary crab cakes or seafood fry and you'll soon see why the restaurant has thrived for so long.
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Dive into a sea of deliciousness atDock’s Oyster House, an Atlantic City institution since 1897; this legendary spot offers happy hour from 4-6 pm daily. Sink your teeth into mouth-watering oysters, from the classic ½ shell oysters to broiled oysters Rockefeller. But don’t stop there—treat yourself to other favorites like mini crab cakes, smoked fish dip, or the clams casino, which might make you question if you’re actually dreaming.
Go Where the Locals Go
Love at first bite is not an uncommon feeling when dining at Dock’s Oyster House. With one of the best happy hours in town, the Atlantic City locals are already waiting for seats at the raw bar for half-priced oysters, lobster mac n cheese, and the unbelievable fried buffalo cauliflower. The seafood-centric menus offer a variety of the highest quality, freshest fish and shellfish to showcase the seafood’s natural flavors.
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Hands down, Dock’s is one of the best restaurants in all of Atlantic City. There’s something about this restaurant that melds old-school rustic charm with nice new modern renovations, a huge bar, and a fantastic raw bar that says, “You need to come here and eat.”. The raw bar menu reads like a who’s who of delicious oysters and cold seafood selections (may I suggest the fluke crudo and chilled one-pound lobster?).
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The restaurant is owned by the Dougherty family, proprietors of the century-old Dock’s Oyster House and Knife & Fork. True to its name, Harry’s features oysters, at least a dozen selections daily, ranging from Cape Cod Wiannos to Emerald Coves from Denman Island in British Columbia. Chowders --- New York- and New England-style --- are good, but we recommend the corn and crab chowder with roasted jalapeño cream.
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Dock’s Oyster House has been a mainstay of the city for nearly 130 years and is one of the nicest places for dinner in Atlantic City. Every night, they serve up seafood towers brimming with shrimp and clams, a dozen kinds of oysters, fish, steaks, and more. They are particularly known for their seafood fry and crab au gratin, and the broiled lobster and filet mignon are always solid choices.
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Owned and operated by the Dougherty Family since 1897, Docks Oyster House is renowned for the freshest seafood in town. Their new Private Dining Room is available to host your intimate wedding celebration and has room for up to 60 guests for a sit-down dinner or more for a standing reception or cocktail hour. Additionally, they also offer smaller rooms for more intimate weddings.
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Dock’s Oyster House is an upscale dining establishment in Atlantic City and has been a local favorite since 1897. With a sophisticated dining interior and nightly live pianists playing rejuvenating and relaxing music, it’s a superb spot for fine dining in Atlantic City. Seafood lovers will enjoy fresh dishes like crab cakes and flounder, and especially the Crab Meat Saute.
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In Atlantic City, Dock’s Oyster House blends the classic oyster bar feel with the upscale dining and maritime touches that fans have enjoyed over the years. Classic dishes on the menu include Crab Au Gratin, Seafood Fry, Pecan Crusted Salmon, and Crispy Wasabi Tuna, as well as a huge selection of oysters and lobsters in all sizes. Maruca's Tomato Pies (Facebook)
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This restaurant became incredibly popular because there was no liquor license but very high standards. Today, the restaurant remains popular, with the classic Oyster Bar a major attraction. Depending on the season, you could choose Chesapeake Bay oysters from Maryland, Wellfleets oysters from Massachusetts, or Brigantine Salts from New Jersey, for example.
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Nestled along the Atlantic City Boardwalk, The Dock’s Oyster House is renowned for its fresh seafood and historic ambiance. Established in 1897, this iconic restaurant offers a menu featuring locally sourced oysters, lobster bisque, and crab cakes that are a true delight for seafood enthusiasts. Explore more about The Dock’s Oyster House here.
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Since 1897, the family-owned Dock’s Oyster House has been serving delicious fresh seafood and juicy steaks. The menu offers mouthwatering dishes like crispy wasabi tuna, potato-crusted flounder, lobster tail, fried jumbo shrimp, and New York sirloin. Satisfy your sweet tooth with key lime pie, Bailey’s chocolate mousse, or apple crisp.
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You've entered beach territory, but have you really experienced the beach without indulging in some seafood delicacies?. If you're in the mood for a good chowder, Dock's Oyster House has you covered. Since 1897, Dock's has graced their presence among millions of tourists and still stand as one of the best seafood joints in the area.
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Best seafood spot | One of AC’s oldest restaurants, Dock’s Oyster House (2405 Atlantic Ave.) has been owned and operated by the Dougherty family since it opened in 1897. That sense of tradition is in everything from its charming interiors to the menu of oysters, clams, lobster, and whatever other seafood dreams tickle your fancy.
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While Dock’s Oyster House is primarily known for its seafood, it’s also a destination for indulgent desserts. Their Banana Cream Pie, with its silky custard, whipped cream, and flaky crust, is a fan favorite and a perfect way to end a meal. Other seasonal dessert options add variety, ensuring a sweet finish to your visit!
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Seafood fans can’t go to Atlantic City without dining out at Dock’s Oyster House. Set right on the historic boardwalk, this place has been serving customers since 1887, when it was founded by Harry “call me Dock” Dougherty. Over the years, Dock’s Oyster House has been run by five generations of the Dougherty family.
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There are very many excellent places to eat out in Atlanta City that will suit all budgets and tastes. As this is a coastal city, seafood is a specialty and the ingredients of dishes are usually caught locally. One of the best restaurants in Atlanta City to try stunning seafood dishes id Dock’s Oyster House.
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Dock’s Oyster House has been an Atlantic City staple, owned and operated by the Dougherty family since 1897. Dock’s is renowned for the freshest seafood in town, incredible steaks, and an award-winning wine list. The restaurant offers a full raw bar with as many as ten different oysters per night.
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Dock’s Oyster House sits in the heart of Atlantic City, holding strong as the city’s longest-running seafood restaurant since 1897. This beloved institution is renowned for its fresh oysters and a raw bar that rotates with the seasons, always reflecting the very best the coast has to offer.
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Patrons dine, drink and mingle at the seafood-forward Dock’s Oyster Bar. Photo: Paul S. Bartholomew. Opened in 1897, Dock’s Oyster House has been sustained by four generations of the Dougherty family through world wars, the Great Depression, and the declines and rebirths of Atlantic City.
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Dock’s Oyster House is a one-of-a-kind spot for fresh oysters and seafood. The restaurant has been open for more than 120 years and prides itself on its clean, comfortable, and friendly atmosphere. Happy hour runs from 4-6 pm and features a great deal of appetizer and drink specials.
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It has been remodeled and expanded over the years but has always been a favorite of both locals and visitors. It is known for it's soft-shell crabs, lobster, daily fresh fish selections and seafood platters. The restaurant has a dark-wood interior and an oyster bar.
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The selection is endless, with seafood shacks like Smitty’s Clam Bar and their piping hot plates of fried seafood to oyster houses like Dock’s Oyster House for endless slurping and fine dining establishments like Chart House and their upscale surf and turf.
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For tasty seafood and steak, check out Dock’s Oyster House -- an Atlantic City staple since 1897. Do you have a taste for Italian?. Your choice is sweet: Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern, Girasole Ristorante, Angeloni’s Restaurant and if you’re lucky…Chef Vola’s.
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On a list of Atlantic City institutions, Dock’s Oyster House would rank near, or at, the top. Harry “Dock” Dougherty opened his 60-seat restaurant in 1897. Renovations over the years included a bigger dining room, raw bar, new kitchen and cocktail lounge.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,671 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Seafood- Price: $$$$- Address: 2405 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401-6630- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Dock’s Oyster House: It’s really hard to beat the wine list at Dock’s. That and the raw bar, which combine to form an upscale casino escape that’s perfect for a quiet-but-classy night out. You’ll find 11 pages of wines by the bottle or glass.
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Your journey into Atlantic City’s seafood scene isn’t complete without stopping by Dock’s Oyster House. Since 1897, this family-owned spot has been a historic icon in the area. Its long history shows its dedication to excellence.
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A post shared by Docks Oyster House AC (@docksoysterhouseac). Patrons get a lovely, nautical dining experience at this upscale seafood restaurant. Open since 1897, Dock’s Oyster House uses the freshest ingredients in its dishes.
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Discounted snacks and appetizers, some exclusive to happy hour. RECOMMENDATION: Oysters..Duh. A few blocks down Atlantic Avenue, the line for happy hour at Dock’s Oyster House meanders down the street by 3:30pm each day.
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Head to Dock’s Oyster House, a local favourite since it opened in 1897. Run by the Dougherty family for four generations, this restaurant exudes fine-dining vibes. The owners are committed to serving fresh seafood.
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2405 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401Phone: (609) 345-0092 Visit Website. A post shared by Docks Oyster House AC (@docksoysterhouseac). Looking for any upscale spot for some dinner or a date night?
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Listeners also selected these great Atlantic City restaurants … “Hell’s Kitchen” for Beef Wellington, “Old Homestead” for Steaks, “Dock’s Oyster House” for seafood and the legendary ”Chef Vola’s.
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2405 Atlantic AveAtlantic City, NJ 08401(609) 345-0092 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Dock’s Oyster House is an oyster bar-restaurant that opened its doors to the public in 1897.
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Located at 2405 Atlantic Ave., the bar and steakhouse, which offers seafood and more, is the highest rated seafood spot in Atlantic City, boasting 4.5 stars out of 807 reviews on Yelp.
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Along with seafood samplers, these are served together in pairs with tartar sauces. The place looks like a classic building in a town by the sea. It looks cosy and inviting.
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Dock’s Oyster House, although pricey, consistently gets good reviews. Or your group can chow down on burgers, subs, pizza and other American comfort food favorites.
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Enjoy delicious seafood including a raw bar, crab cakes, and the best lobster on the Jersey Shore. One of the best attractions on the Southern Jersey Shor...
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From the legendary sandwiches at White House Sub Shop to gourmet seafood at Dock’s Oyster House, you’ll find the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings.
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Music events at places like The Pub at St George and Dock’s Oyster House draw crowds who appreciate the combination of good food and great tunes.
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For a memorable date night, try Dock’s Oyster House for fresh seafood and an upscale vibe or Chart House for a cozy waterfront experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit