Located close to Grand Central, Dock’s Oyster Bar is one of those seafood institutions that seafood lovers must visit. This restaurant that boasts an impressive dining room offers an incredible menu where the fruits de mer (seafood in French literally meaning fruits of the sea) are celebrated in various ways: raw, cooked, in sushi or in pasta are few examples. A good way to experience it is by starting with one of their seafood platters. The Royale plateau is perfect for two, but I admit that I could have eaten it on my own, everything tasting deliciously fresh. It is composed of 8 oysters (this time from the west coast (Fanny Bay and Cascadia), 3 littleneck clams, 3 cherrystone clams, 4 jumbo shrimp and 1/2 lb lobster. Double it and you get their Grand Plateau.
Seafood platter at Dock's Oyster Bar in Midtown East
Seafood platter at Dock's Oyster Bar in Midtown East
For the main, I am not a big fan of their crab cakes, missing the jumbo lump crab meat and lacking a bit of taste, maybe because of the meat they used or too much filler. I am not sure. However, they cook fish perfectly and their Branzino simply pan roasted was superb: not dry, with a crispy skin, it also tasted very fresh. These “simply prepared” dishes as they call them are served with brocoli rabe, roasted fingerling potatoes oven roasted tomato and beurre blanc. I simply loved the entire dish.
Crab cakes at Dock's Oyster Bar in Midtown East
Crab cakes at Dock's Oyster Bar in Midtown East
With the meal, you can of course get some wine, but their cocktails are worth a try. The Mr. Boozy with Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Mr. Black cold brew liqueur, Grand Marnier and bitters is strong but refreshing. For a sweeter cocktail, they also have the Blueberry mint sparkling lemonade that is made with vodka (so, no, this is not just a lemonade!).
Mr Boozy cocktail at Dock's Oyster Bar in Midtown East
Sweet mint sparkling lemonade cocktail at Dock's Oyster Bar in Midtown East
Triple chocolate pudding at Dock's Oyster Bar in Midtown East
Then I got dessert: I tried their triple chocolate pudding that was good, but a bit grainy, and their key lime pie that was just ok for me, having better ones while dining in the City.
Key lime pie at Dock's Oyster Bar in Midtown East
Despite that, Dock’s delivered and there is no question this is a place to go if you like seafood.
Enjoy (I did)!
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Dock's Oyster Bar - 633 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017
