I went here to celebrate my 25th birthday here! I gave it try seeing such great reviews here! The waiter was great and was very nice! I forgot his name but every time I go there I wish he was my waiter. I made a reservation for a group of 7. They have 2 semi private rooms. Semi meaning there's no wall barrier to block you from other customers yet private enough to have your on space. I can actually say all the dishes was great! I am hooked to this place. Every time I come to AC, this is a must for dinner!. I recommend making reservation if your coming with a group. They also offer valet parking right outside. I forgot if there was a fee for it or not but at least you know you won't have problem finding parking.
(5)
Jenn C.
Everything from service to food was pretty great. The only drawback is...you are practically sharing a table with other diners (strangers). We were entertaining clients so it was fine,but probably not the place for a romantic dinner. The pecan crusted salmon was delicious,and cooked perfectly. Our client had filet mignon and said it was the best he's had in a long time. The fluke special and crabcakes also received rave reviews. The portions aren't huge,so if you're really hungry share some appetizers. Oh,and the drinks are real good.
(5)
Francesca L.
Out of the park experience! The restaurant is on the pricey side but well worth the money. I had the best soft sell crab in NJ, perfect seasoning, and texture. My entree was a great take on a salmon. The combination of pecan, apple, and spinach in the dish was a great flavor combination, and the salmon was just cooked to perfection. The best part of the experience was the waiter. She must have gone to a university for waitressing cause she gets a 10. She was so attentive, and her attention to detail was remarkable. What I appreciate the most was she knew the menu and could give relevant suggestions. You'll be missing a great spot in Atlantic City if you don't make a stop at this oyster house.
(5)
Damoun Y.
Great service and amazing seafood - definitely worth a try! Highly recommend the seafood sampler!
(5)
Keith K.
What a wonderful seafood place is ac! A little pricey but totally worth it when you get fresh seafood cook perfectly. Drinks are amazing at the bar, private parking lot and excellent welcoming service. When your in ac and want nice quiet place to eat with your spouse choose docks!
(5)
Dana D.
Definitely love this place for its fresh seafood. The crab cakes are delicious! Only downfall is that it's so small and the tables are on top of each other which is kind of annoying. Other than that awesome restaurant.
(3)
Ayesha G.
Great food, great service. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for fresh and delicious seafood
(4)
Johnny I.
I once found a few shells in my crab au gratin here. That's the worst thing I can say about Dock's. Their wine list is expansive and impressive. The seafood is often caught locally that day (I know this because on a company fishing trip, we caught far too many striped bass than anyone wanted to take home, so one of our employees who doubled as a part time sous chef at Dock's brought them to the restaurant where they served as the night's special). The oyster selection is dazzling. At one dinner, my dining partner had an Alaskan King Crab that had been alive until it was cooked at Dock's. It was as big as a major league baseball stadium's home plate. It tasted like the Platonic Form of crab. It's a raucous place with crowded seating; not very good for romantic dinners or people who mind dining closely with strangers. The crowd can get a little obnoxious - once a man from Brooklyn was giving our waitress a hard time. He drunkenly asked her three times, "Where was this caught? In some polluted Jersey creek?" She finally answered him with, "Yes, sir. We caught it right outside the Oyster Creek nuclear plant," which was AWESOME.
(5)
Nate G.
The raw oysters are fresh. Definitely get the fried oysters with marinara and provolone. Also, the Tuna and Red snapper meals are a great choice.
(5)
Steve A.
This has to be one of the top seafood restaurants I have been to. I travel extensively and have been able to eat at the best. Just finished seared scallops with lobster burr Blanc that was perhaps the best scallops dish I've ever had. It is a highlight of coming to Atlantic City and I make a point of eating here when in town.
(5)
Terri M.
Piano bar=great..not to loud Bar=great cocktails and raw bar...we had crab cocktail and shrimp cocktail...oyster crackers are wonderful...the crab cocktail was generous and huge chucks of crab..the shrimp cocktail were 4 gigantic shrimp..and we're perfectly prepared....both were amazing Restaurant=lobsters are gigantic...fresh and delicious Our experience at docks was fantastic!!!! My only regret was I was too full and skipped the desserts...the lemon pie looked just delicious and next time I will make sure and save room for it!!
(5)
Hopscotch C.
Was at AC last night for a concert with my husband and decided to try Docks after reading the reviews here. I was excited to try their oysters...but that excitement went away soon. I ordered the oyster sampler and while some were okay, most of them were gritty and sandy. This is supposed to be an OYSTER house...I mean it's right in the name of the restaurant. How could they serve sub-par oysters??? I've had oysters at other places and they were never gritty. I had to rinse my oysters in the vinaigrette which ruined the oyster taste. The calamari was pretty good...very soft and fresh. My crab Ceasar salad sucked. Some of the lettuce was wilted and there was hardly any dressing on it. Very bland. The crab wasnt even seasoned. It was like they opened up a can of lump crab, cut up some old lettuce, and put it on a plate. My husband ordered the flounder with crab which was good. The highlight of my dinner was when the busboy came by when I was almost done eating and asked," Are you done eating?" whilst making eating motions with his hands and face. a) I'm not deaf..no need for sign language and b) I can speak and understand English just fine, thanks. At this point, I decided I was in fact done and we asked for the check.
(2)
Julia G.
I absolutely loved this place. I think it really lived up to its great reviews. I came here for an anniversary dinner with my boyfriend and am happy I did. The service was impeccable, there was no wait time once we checked in, and the food was amazing. I highly recommend the new england clam chowder as a soup to start with. My entire experience here was positive and I cant wait to come back another time
(5)
Kristen M.
Excellent experience start to finish. We had the oysters to start (very very good). Both entrees were full of flavor. The waiter was excellent and very attentive. We will be back next AC trip!
(4)
Elisa H.
Very busy place. Packed the Tuesday night we were there. We walked there up the boardwalk from the Chelsea, then two blocks in, and my husband and I were fine with the neighborhood. But yes, there are poor people there. Dangerous? maybe. Service from our waiter was satisfactory, not great. He forgot to give my husband his tonic water. Also as a vegetarian, this was not much fun for him. He made do with bread, salad, onion rings and a dish of spinach. But as for me, I had a pomegranate and pear martini, very good, and the entree of seared scallops with the best broccoli rabe I've ever had. Now I know what it's supposed to be like. So that's all I ate in order to save room for dessert. Jacks Cheese Pie. WOW. I want to go back just for that. Different and fabulous with raspberry sherbet and a dollop of whipped cream.
(5)
Tim A.
Good place for a nice seafood meal. The staff was personable and attentive. Food was excellent and cooked to specifications - the service was quick and efficient.
(4)
Andy Z.
Very good, and I love the old school vibe. The waiters were very helpful with selections, and exceedingly quick with service. The wine list was big, and there cocktail selections were excellent. I liked the Boardwalk Empire themed drinks in particular. Food was excellent. I had the halibut, and my date had risoto. They didn't have an entre with risoto, so the waiter just made the side dish a double size and added sauteed veggies. Very tasty. Only downside was the roll was a little stale. Sure, you can hide it by warming the bread in the oven, but sooner or later it's going to cool down, and then you have cold stale rolls. Minor quibble. The only reason it's getting four stars instead of 5 is for the price it was missing that 'yo no se que'... just that little something that puts it over the top of other restaurants in this bracket. I
(4)
Jessica B.
I've been to Dock's before and fell in love with the food and service, and I could not wait to bring my boyfriend on my next AC vacation. We made reservations on Open Table late afternoon, and were so excited in our cab on the way over (we were staying at the Borgata.) So imagine my surprise when we arrived and they told us they were closed. Huh? The not-at-all-apologetic host let us know their computer system was down so they didn't know about Open Table reservations and their kitchen staff had already left. "What time do you close?" I asked. "Oh, it all depends on reservations," he replied. BUT WE HAD A RESERVATION! My suggestion to Dock's is to remove yourself from online websites if you're not capable of honoring the reservations. We wouldn't have minded at all calling the restaurant to secure our table, but because you put yourselves on Open Table, we wrongly assumed we would be seated that way. Such a disappointment!
The food was ok but not great. I had the lobster tail, way over done very tuff to chew. The wife had the crab cakes. Blan tasting with lots of fill in them. She crab soup was good. Salad, fried tomatoes ok,no sauce just plan. All in all disappointed with the dinner
(3)
Domenica G.
Two words: SO GOOD! We had the Maine Chowder (their take on New England clam chowder), Manhattan clam chowder, steamed mussels in an amazing spicy tomato broth & we both got the flounder topped with crab for an entree. This was quite possibly the best meal I've ever had. Everything was delicately prepared. The service was impeccable...from the valet parking, to the hostess and finally our very attentive waitress - five stars all around. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
C. H.
This was probably the best seafood I have ever had. Scallops were perfectly seared and juicy. They have great shrimp ceviche. The service was fantastic. Everyone was friendly including the surrounding patrons at other tables. I would give it 5 stars but there was one problem that I could not overlook. We waited almost an hour between the appetizer and our entree. The wait staff was very apologetic. The food was well worth the wait. If you want great seafood while you are in the area and you have the time and patience than definitely try this restaurant.
(4)
Keith B.
Fantastic and great service! I've taken my mom here for her birthday dinner (July 4th) the last three years and it's been awesome every time. Only suggestion would be to rotate the draught beer selection to add some variety, but that's not a big issue.
(4)
Sue U.
We went to the Oyster House for my birthday dinner. The place is a very classical looking restaurant; nice piano tunes when you're waiting for your table, family owners welcoming you. I mean welcoming portion is nice. We did not start the raw bar thing, may be that was our mistake. I ordered the scallops and frankly the broccoli was in the sauce of real sand!! Very disappointed.... May be my expectations were a bit too high but well they are talking about a rest that is older than most of the countries around the world; so you are expecting at least something!! My recommendation would be to go with the raw bar menu instead of the cooked items.
(1)
bill s.
This is simply a first rate seafood restaurant. After we reserve our hotel room in AC, the next thing I always do is reserve a table at Dock's Oyster House. Most recently we found out after our reservation that it was AC Restaurant Week! Bonus! Great choices. Ended up eating there both nights. (Hostess found us a table on a sold out evening for the second night). Had both soups and salads. First rate. Had pecan crusted salmon, crab cakes and stuffed flounder. All excellent. Didn't have the filet, but folks were raving about how good it was. Key lime pie was fantastic. Service is first rate. On most recent visit had scallops and risotto, wife had salmon. Oysters Rockefeller and Key Lime pie and apple crisp with vanilla Gelato for desert. Still as good as it gets. YUM!
(5)
Hannah S.
Great seafood restaurant!
(4)
Esther K.
Found Dock's when looking for a special place to celebrate my Dad's 83rd birthday. Absolutely perfect! We had reservations at 6:00 p.m. and arrived 10 minutes early but they had our table waiting for us and seated us right away. It was tucked away in a semi-private room that was cozy but allowed you to see out into the main dining area. As my parents are older, they have a difficult time hearing with a lot of background noise so this was a perfect table for us. Starters: Clams in a delicious tomato sauce - tender and very generous portion! Calamari that was so tender and light. Corn chowder very flavorful and not too heavy. The best dish of the night was the Jersey tomatoes covered in panko crumbs and fried over a bed of mixed greens. OMG, it was heavenly! The crispy outside with the warm sweet tomatoes and melted cheese inside was so good I would have been satisfied with this for dinner. Again, the portions were so generous. Dessert: Ordered the cheese pie and was not disappointed. Like everyone else said, so light and yummy. Banana Caramel Creme pie was a little to heavy for me after the cheese pie and the peach/blueberry pie just wasn't all that special. Service was stellar. All in all, an incredible meal but the standout dishes for me was the panko crusted tomato salad and the cheese pie. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Rhoda B.
Not only were we four women seated immediately upon arrival at our reservation time, but when we inquired about whether separate checks were possible we were pleasantly surprised by the "yes, of course". Free to order with abandon, 1 of us ordered a huge lobster with wine, I ordered a cocktail with a scallops special, and the other 2 ordereded water with their dishes. The scallops, ordered in different recipes by 3 of us, we're superb. The hot rolls were possibly the best I've had and the oyster crackers with horseradish at the center of the table were a treat. I selected this restaurant because I'd had a good experience at Dock's at Dover Downs, but this place was even better. I only wish I lived close enough to be a regular there!
(5)
Windi L.
One of the best restaurants I've ever eaten at! I was very pleased with my recent trip to Dock's both with their service as well as the QUALITY of their food. Everything is very, very, VERY fresh and has flavor (nothing bland). Earlier we had stopped by the Borgata and had some oysters (we love them) but the oysters here were AMAZING! I have never had such fresh tasting oysters in my life. Clearly the folks here at Dock's have the hook up for the best seafood in Atlantic City, if not the entire universe. In addition to oysters we had their specials: Scallops over risotto and the history been-on-the-menu-forever dish Fish Fry. HOLY SMOKES!! YUMMY OVERLOAD! I've never had scallops so flavorful and the fish fry was an upscale take on my favorite comfort food. The waitress was so helpful in helping me decide. I'm happy I listened to her advice! I also had the asparagus soup which I can honestly say I will crave for the rest of my life. For desert we had the Joe's cheese pie and rhubarb/Strawberry pie. Again, the most amazing deserts we've ever had. The cheese pie was very fluffy and the crust was DIVINE! :-) The rhubarb was so fresh - I've never had it so sweet before! Try their desert martinis. Yet ANOTHER reason this place is so awesome! I must also add that while this is an upscale establishment, I truly feel their prices are reasonable. A must for anyone going to Atlantic City who wants to avoid lame Casino food!
(5)
Alisa M.
great little seafood place a few blocks from casino strip. Nice atmosphere, reasonable prices, good service. If you're looking for a very nice meal but not in one of the casinos, this is the place. There is something for everyone. I had the oysters rockefellar and seared ahi with slaw over veggies and rice.
(4)
Tye C.
Excellent food and atmosphere! We will be back (just have to save up some money for the next visit).
(5)
Shirley F.
If you like Oysters, Raw Bars and Classic Speakeasy-Nostalgia-like bars, this is the place to go. A recent Inquirer article did a tour of AC bars and somehow skipped this place. Ive never had a bad drink here and never had a bad meal; a rarity today. But the place is for oysters-fastest shucker Ive ever seen and always a huge selection from all over the country. Bottom line its a great place. Id advise reservations for sit down or get there at 530pm at the latest in the summer for a spot at the bar.
(5)
Elena E.
Amazing old school place. Made reservations for my b/d thru an Open table. Had to change for 2 days later due to the bad weather. We arrived early and parked, yes they have their own parking lot, valet parking, no charge, just a tip. We came at 5:00, by 5:30 or so the place was packed. We started with the oysters, great selection. Ordered raw and Oyster Rockefeller, raw are very fresh and great presentation, service was outstanding too, brought by an experienced waiter, who explained everything. Menu is very extensive and they also had nice specials too. Main course, i ordered a potato crusted flounder, great and my husband got a special of the day - Halibut with veggies and crab meat, wonderful taste and presentation. We didn't really had any room for desert, but got it anyway - a cream Brule and a key lime pie, yummy. Doc's is a 100year old establishment and now we know why!!!
(5)
William J.
Came here on a recommendation from Mom while we were on vacation in Ocean City, NJ. After eating here, I would definitely make a drive from Philly to eat here again. One of the best seafood restaurants I have encountered, really top notch in all aspects. We started with a dozen oysters, all very fresh, excellent. I had a fresh NJ tomato salad which everybody loved. The fried version was ordered by the other couple and was also excellent. The beet and mandarin orange salad was just OK and the sole disappointment. Two of us had the soft shell crab, sauteed, which was really spot on. My wife had the ahi tuna entree which was cooked medium, as she ordered it (unfortunately) but was still quite tasty. The last entree was the scallops which was also quite good. Finished with the banana cream pie which was just about perfect. Great service as well. Overall a great place in an unusual location, far better than any similar place in Philly.
(5)
Angela V.
6 of us went here for a bachelorette dinner this past weekend. We were late for our reservation and even though the place was packed, we were greeted politely and seated right away. Our waiter recommended the scallops over risotto special and the fried oysters app, both were outstanding! The waiter was kind enough to take many group shots for us. I hope to go here again soon.
(5)
Jen T.
The BEST. The one and only place I want to eat whenever I"m down in AC. The restaurant serves upscale food without all the pretentiousness. It is on the pricier side but for obvious reasons. It's definitely worth treating yourself every once and a while. The oysters are so fresh and delicious, just waiting to be shucked and devoured by you. I have tried their seafood entrees, like the seared scallops and pan roasted halibut. Yummy. Have yet to try any of their steaks but definitely planning on it. Service was fantastic, so friendly, helpful, and informed. Our waitress gave us excellent recommendations. Back in January, The hostess saw us come there by taxi. When we got our check and paid, a cab was waiting for us right outside the restaurant. That was so sweet of her! 5 stars!
(5)
Antonio B.
Ambiance was perfect . The drinks were excellent the service was fantastic . The ceviche is awesome along with the seafood tower.
(5)
Sally B.
Celebrated my son's 30th birthday here this past weekend. We had an 8:00 reservation and we were not seated until 8:25 and I will admit I was not happy about that, however it was well worth it. We started with fried calamari, oysters Rockefeller and a dozen raw oysters. The calamari was fresh and delicious and the my husband and daughter-in-law said the oysters were perfection. For dinner my daughter-in-law and I shared the red snapper and scallops. We advised our waiter (who was excellent) that we were going to share and when it was served the kitchen had it split up for us. Let me just say it was one of the best meals I have every had. It was absolutely delicious. My husband and son had steak, a cowboy rib eye and a New York strip and they both agreed they were far superior than Ruth Chris. The cowboy rib eye came with French fries that were delicious. The waiter explained that they are done in a 3 step process and as I am writing this I wish a plate of them in front of me. If in Atlantic City you have to visit Docks and for sure we will be back.
(5)
Bennett W.
There are many 5 star reviews for Dock's and I agree with them. The food was delicious. The service was personal and very attentive. I had the evening's special: a fluke (flounder) prepared with a medley of fresh vegetables. Others had salmon and crab cakes - I tasted each and they were all terrific. My only caveat to anyone who hasn't been to Dock's before: understand that it's expensive the immediate neighborhood (for a block or two) is a little sketchy. That said, it was worth the price and I didn't feel uncomfortable walking in from my parking lot several blocks away.
(5)
Ingrid W.
I came here with my parents for my birthday. Whule waiting, we had some drinks atbthe bar, and the bartender was stellar! He made the best vidka gimlet my ither has ever had! Whrn we sat down fod food, our waitress was also amazing, best service I have ever received. My sister is allergic to many foods, she mentioned one fo them in an offhand manner, because she wasnt ordering that food, but as it turned out the wiatress was lustenung carefully, as the suacd in her dish was made with beef stock (something she is allergic to), and the wiatress madd sure they did not use it on her plate! We also ordered 2-3lb lobsters, what we got was more likely 5lb lobsters. When we had elftover lobster, and asked for some ice to keep ot chilled, our wiatress informed us they had no bag. She then disappeared for a bit, and returned with a huge tub filled with ice so we could take home our leftovers safely! She was amazing! She was super attentive, and i have never had someone give such amazing servixe in my life! This place has amazing food, excellent service and is worth every penny!
(5)
Bill P.
Excellent seafood. I go to AC 4 times a year and my wife and I always eat here. The specials are great. Last time I went I had the swordfish special topped with grilled shrimp over risotto. Incredible dish. Wife had the fluke topped with crab meat over spinach. Just as good Place gets packed so make a reservation.
(5)
Stefanie S.
I live in the NYC metro area. This place has better food, prices and service than any other seafood place in NYC that I've eaten in and I have eaten in the finest restaurants not only in NYC but Paris and Italy as well. Just wonderful. Had the clam appetizer. It was so filling, that after dinner, I was overfull like on Thanksgiving. The 2lb lobster was amazing. The oysters, of course, were fresh and perfect. Just go if you're in the area
(5)
Candice B.
The food at Dock's is very good, but nothing I have eaten here has changed my life. On my recent visit, I ordered the clam chowder and pan-seared sea scallops. I enjoyed both, though the soup was less chunky than I would have liked, and the scallops were just a tiny bit overdone. The scallops were served with a broccoli raab that was perfectly cooked and had zero bitterness to it. Boyfriend ordered corn and crab chowder, the calamari, and a seafood assortment. The grilled shrimp was the only true standout of the plates. I did not see rainbows and unicorns after my meal, but as far as I'm concerned you do get what you pay for in terms of quality. Now on to the service. The service is, without question, outstanding. This is a staff that can handle a busy crowd. At 7pm on a busy Sunday, we were promptly seated for our reservation after the hostess informed us that a table was being cleared and then offered to hang our coats. She was expert at the comings and goings of diners, making the rounds to check for open tables, handling coats, and managing still to be sociable and friendly. Within seconds of being seated we were approached for drinks, and at no time did I feel as if we waited for anything. Drinks and food were all prompt, and our server checked in just the right amount, offering refills of wine and bread. The ambiance is very classy, with a piano at the front of the house, staff dressed formally, and the lights low enough to provide a romantic mood. Boyfriend and I were dressed up because it was our (belated) anniversary dinner, but there were people in jeans as well, so there is really no dress code.
(4)
Daniel E.
You had better get a reservation or be prepared to wait an hour like we did. I will say, the bar is a small but lovely place to wait. However, dinner was one of the best I've had in a long time. One-hundred year old recipes, combined with fresh seafood (especially the oysters) are enough to get me to return.... Next time with a reservation.
(5)
Mike D.
Favorite Place in Atlantic City for Dinner! TAKE A CAB there AND Back to your hotel, and Enjoy. SO much better than any of the big bucks places in the casinos.
(5)
Jerome Z.
Nice selections of fresh oysters and the cowboy rib eye steak was great.
(4)
Courtney R.
An old establishment in AC, and one of the better meals you can get. It was packed and the service was great. Perfect martinis, good, fresh oysters. The seafood dishes were okay--probably on par with Kinkead's in D.C. Warning: do not eat the oyster crackers/balls/whatever the hell they are in the goblets on the table.
(4)
Art F.
Excellent seafood house and great service; comp valet parking
(5)
J M.
I made reservations here for 3 on a Tuesday night. It was Tuesday which was nice because it wasn't packed. In terms of inside the place is white table cloth type of nice, but I didn't feel underdressed in jeans and a polo. I would also like to say that the service and staff were very attentive and polite. For an appetizer I had the half dozen oyster sampler, which I thought was quite good. I try oysters almost anywhere I go and was pretty happy with the oysters being fresh and tasty. In terms of locations of the oysters they were from MA, NJ, and VA. Now for the entree I was extremely tempted to order seafood, but decided to go with the rack of lamb. I love lamb and was extremely happy with the cook (rare), portion size and flavor. They added frites which I really like with the meal. Overall I would definitely return/recommend. Granted it's a little pricey but they definitely don't short change you with your portions.
(4)
Brooke R.
Walking into Dock's is walking into a 1940's movie set. Piano player who only plays show tunes, a wrap around bar and the wait staff dress in white butcher coats, vests and ties. The hubby and I stopped here on a whim needing our oyster fix for the start of the Labor Day weekend activities. The free parking was great and the bartender was assertive. They had a selection of the traditional drinks like the sidecar, dirty martini, etc. I really like the whole "keeping with the time" feel. We sat at the raw bar which then got us quite irked as the shucker disappeared 2x for a total of 20 minutes and we were waiting to order oysters and had questions since they had 10 different kinds which was fabulous. When he finally returned we ordered 2 oysters of every kind and wanted to know info about them. The shucker seemed reluctant to talk to us which was ashamed because we love to know the background of the oysters since we are huge fans and always go to many oyster bars! They had great horseradish sauce and many of he oysters were delicious and we had barely any shells. My first drink was overloaded with sugar so I ordered a Cosmo was again poor since they don't use real juices. For dropping $110 for oysters and drinks the service and the drinks should have been better. We decided after that we left to go to dinner somewhere else and not order from the main menu.
(3)
Fatty D.
Ka-POW!!! There were 5 of us and we were sat at a much more comfortable table than the first visit. Lips was in his fashion galaxy tonight, always Gucci, with Louie Shoes. You can't go wrong in a black and white ensemble. There was a contracted photographer as we got out of the car. We really weren't in the mood to be photoed for whatever fashion magazine of the moment! We started off with Oysters. They were superb. Exactly what the waitress, Helene stated. She knew her craft and did a nice job. The Clam Chowder was more of a clam stew, very thin. Wasn't a favorite. Entrees: Soft shell Crabs. Quite enjoyable. Scallops in a Cream Sauce, very enjoyable Steak - Nicely prepared, also enjoyed Stuffed Flounder, small portion, taste good. Portion could have been more generous Salmon - my guest played it safe and stated it was very good. 360 including tip One major draw back...THE NOISE is deafening in the place and makes it challenging to have a decent conversation! Fatty says, "thumbs up."
(4)
Gary C.
An ATLANTIC CITY ICON that will Never Disappoint you! The Place to go for the Freshest Seafood and Local Produce Served to you in an Intimate, Cozy, Setting. We Started with The Oyster Sampler. a Fresh, Juicy assortment of several different varieties of delicious Raw Oysters. We then had the Fried Calamari. It Literally melted in your mouth! The Wine Selection was very good and the prices were reasonable. The main course did not Disappoint! Fresh Seared Sea Scallops, Juicy and Sweet served with Fresh Spinach with Olive Oil and Garlic. I had a selection from one of the Original Menu Items. The Docks Seafood Fry. Tender Juicy Shrimp, An Unbelievable Crab Cake, Fresh Flounder, all Fried Perfectly and Lightly with Panko Bread Crumb! We also had the Fried Beets (I strongly Suggest), as a side dish. Thinly grated Beets, Sweet and Crunchy. Desert was a real delight. Home Made Banana Cream Pie with a White Flaky Crust! Absolutely Delicious. Live Piano Music played in the Background by a Talented Piano Player. Do NOT waste your Time and Money at a Casino Restaurant, or BLAND BUFFET, When you can be treated to a real SEAFOOD EXPERIENCE! ENJOY!
(4)
Steve G.
The selection of the fish and seafood options is superb! I could not decide what to get and must go back. This place reminds me of Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach - high quality, well prepared, identifiable dishes with special attention to details. We were seated immediately for our reservation on Father's day, listened to nice piano background music, greeted by our pleasant and cheerful waitress, and served by some very well trained staff. I read review that this place is loud but my experience was not very bad considering my father wears a hearing aid and often has trouble in very loud restaurants. For starters we had an appetizer assortment of grilled shrimp, oyster rockefeller, and clams casino. Each was perfect and the oysters were some of the best I ever had. Clam chowder was a delightful and rich, yet light, rendition with gorgeous fresh flavors of leek, chives, clam liquor, and a hint of bacon (not the roux thickened gloppy type of chowder). A nice beet and greens salad accented with goat cheese and candied pecans could have used a few more beets for my preference. The diver sea scallops entree had four large sweet scallops that were perfectly pan fried. The risotto accompaniment was good, but not great, and the rice did not look like arborio and more like long grain. This was served with a generous amount of sugar snap peas that were crisp tender and very fresh. Crab cakes were made with large lump crab meat chunks with very little filler and lightly pan fried. I do prefer a more substantive coating to get some crispy exterior contrast, although the fresh, clean, and sweet flavor of the crab meat did shine through. My dessert choice was their cheese cake pie that was like a whipped cheese pie, not a dense cheesecake, with a buttery cookie crumb crust, that could become a new craving. Frankly, I can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes. My 75 year old father loved everything he had and this foodie was very well satisfied.
(5)
Albert C.
I have been to this restaurant about 20 times. In my opinion, the best restaurant in AC hands down. The seared tuna encrusted with wasabi makes my mouth water. The selection of oysters and the freshness of the oysters are outstanding. So many great dishes to choose from the corn and crabmeat soup to the tuna tartar. Do yourself a favor and go to the best in AC.
(5)
Ryan M.
Just got back from my first trip to AC and no doubt, Dock's was the highlight of the entire trip. Yea, a little pricey, but hey, welcome to AC. We walked in without a reservation on a sunday night and only had to wait about 10 minutes for a table for 2. The bartenders were friendly and casual, real nice guys who both introduced themselves to us by their first names and shook my hand. Classy. We sat down and our waiter was very friendly, attentive (yet not overbearing), and knowledgeable about all the specials and items on the menu. We started with a sampler of half a dozen oysters which were all chilled perfectly, very delicious. My girlfriend's first time eating oysters and she liked them. And some very delicious freshly cooked sesame seed rolls, always a nice touch to get some free bread while you wait for the main course. I ordered the soft-shell crab with black bean/corn salsa and grilled asparagus. When the waiter said that no one in the world prepared Soft Shell Crab like they do, he wasn't kidding. Definitely one of the best prepared seafood dishes I've ever eaten. The crab was perfectly cooked and seasoned, fried yet somehow not greasy at all. Absolutely perfect paired with the sweetness of the salsa and asparagus. Two thumbs up, I doubt I'll ever have soft shell crab as good as that until I revisit Dock's. My gf got the scallops from the menu, served with mashed potatoes, broccoli rabe, and roasted tomatoes. I tasted one of the scallops and they were also perfectly prepared, seared medium brown on the outside, juicy and firm on the inside, tasted great with the bitter broc and sweet tomatoes. The main course was done with and our waiter noticed I had finished my Guinness. He was very perceptive and friendly and asked if I was a fan of dark beers, to which I replied absolutely. He recommended the Aventinus, a bach with hints of banana and chocolate which I'd never tasted before. Somehow, telepathically, he knew we were going to try the dessert special, Banana Cream Pie, and the beer recommendation sealed the deal. We ordered both and they were great together. The banana cream pie was huge, definitely enough for 2 people to share, and the beer was delicious, a great pairing recommendation. We both left with smiles on our faces, walked off the alcohol for a couple hours, and came back to get our car from the valet, who was still guarding it for us. Perfect meal, definitely the best place in AC.
(5)
Kevin C.
This was amazing! Do your self the favor and splurge on anything that you think sounds amazing. Because I promise you it is! Even if you dont see exactly what you want on the menu. Just ask and they will make it happen. At least they did on my visit. Food and atmosphere are both amazing. A must try.
(5)
Sean D.
Good food, good wine. Pass on the calamari, but def try the steamers.......
(4)
Bonnie P.
This place has amazing seafood! They had great service and their food was delicious (in particular, the crab meat saute, banana caramel pie, and clams)! The place was packed on a Saturday night so it's a good idea to make reservations. The only thing I disliked was my drink, the nucky, which was way too strong for my taste.
(5)
Nick V.
Wow, fantastic! Had reservations for 7:15. Were directed to the bar. We were greeted and served immediately. It was busy but the staff took the extra 2 seconds to be personable, much appreciated. We were shortly seated, and water appeared. We had a small wait but the server came by and told us the specials. We just looked at each other with amazement. She made every dish sound great. I dont believe we were told the price but you can figure it's going to be at least $30. We had: Caesar with crab - excellent Fluke special in the most delicious broth and spinach and tomato and garlic. All I can say is i could off this heathy treat. Pecan crusted salmon - cooked perfect. The pican glaze worked with this type of fish. My girlfriend ate all of it, she usually takes half home. I ended up taking half of my flounder due to the size of the portion. A great dish to share with the table. Broccoli Rabe in oil and garlic. Tender and not bitter. I order this often and would have to say on the top of the scale. Great experience. We kept saying " i cant believe how good this tastes" the food was so good I would go back for any reason and forgive any other flaws, of which being too popular and very crowded seemed to be the only issue. So, don't tell anyone you read this.
(5)
David S.
Dock's is a classic special occasion restaurant. The service here is absolutely top notch. Professional waiters who have been trained incredibly. Their knowledge of the menu and the specials clearly show that they know food, have tasted everything and can recommend based on your likes. In addition, they are good at recommending wine pairings, a rare thing these days. The food quality matches the service quality. Seafood is fresh, wonderfully prepared and a real treat. Restaurant is small and intimate. Decor is classy club feel. Despite the level of this restaurant, dress ranges from sport coat to jeans. I recommend a reservation in the busy season. Be prepared for city prices, but you are getting excellent quality for that.
(5)
Steve J.
This place is fantastic! I loved everything I ate. I went here based on my desire for seafood and the great reviews. Our service was great, the food was amazing, and it had a really classy atmosphere too. We got one of soft shell crab specials (sauteed in garlic over corn salsa) and the scallop special. GET THEM! My Bailey's chocolate moose desert was to die for also. I did feel at little under-dressed even though Yelp lists the place as casual, I would recommend not going in jeans and a T-shirt (I had jeans and a polo shirt on) you might feel a little out of place. I really like how this place is not associated with a casino either. Go here if you want a great seafood dining experience.
(5)
Jason E.
I've been meaning to write this review since October of 2009. I wanted to take my wife out to dinner for her 30th birthday and heard rave reviews about Docks. Well... After making a reservation days in advance the night of my wife's birthday I received a phone call from them asking "could come in a little earlier because it was raining." I said no and they then told me they were closing early. WOW. Thankfully we found a reservation for dinner at the Borgota. I'll never go to this place ever. Don't plan on a nice night if it's cloudy... they'll cancel on you!
(1)
Dave W.
I travel for a living an get to try various decent restaurants across the country while on the road. I read about Docks on Yelp so I figured, while doing some work in Atlantic City, I have to stop by this place and try it out. I stopped by on a Thursday night at 7:30pm. No waiting for a table. As far as the meal: All I have to say is I had one of the top five best meals I've ever eaten. I ordered the special, which was recommended by the waiter: pan seared scallops over Parmesan risotto in a butter cream sauce. Fresh ingredients and delicious. Based on the meal I had tonight I can only think that the other meals are just as delicious. Service was great: drinks were refilled without asking, manager came by to ask how my meal was... I was treated well. Great food... good service... decent price... how can this place not get my recommendation?
(5)
Leonor Q.
I took my Boyfriend here for his 28th Birthday , and i could not have picked a better place.. From the waiter all the way through dessert simply a great experience. The oysters were GREAT, the food incredible I had the scallop special with lobster sauce and it was SUPER DELICIOUS and my Bf had the jumbo fluke special which was SUPER DELICIOUS as well... Oh and i had a very tasty Asian pear martini and to my luck i only had one, two of those and i would of had a hard time getting up from the table :) And in the end banana cream pie :) yea u better believe it was good and the table next to us had also some very good desserts from the look of it....Overall i give this place a 5 STAR because it was worth it from the staff to the food ... I would pick this place over any restaurant in the casinos. A MUST TRY !!!
(5)
Rob R.
Dock's is flat out awesome. This was my first experience and on a busy Friday night during the summer Dock's did not disappoint. The old school feel was actually quite nice compared to some of the more expensive options offered by Casino dining. I had the red snapper topped with crabmeat, it was lightly battered and fried, and it was exactly what I was hoping for...not too mention that the peice of fish was huge. The appetizer medley was good, but I'm probably go for more oysters or something more exciting next time. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly, I honestly can't wait for an excuse to go back!
(5)
Lori L.
One of my favorite restaurants. Consistently great food and service. We come here every time we go to Atlantic City.
(5)
Jimmy C.
Very good seafood. I tried the special King Crab pie! The BBQ calamari for appetizer is recommended too.
(4)
Christianne R.
This place has unbelievable service and outrageously good food!! Try the fried oysters if you want to be in heaven. The place was packed, but not claustrophobic. They had a piano bar going, and everyone including the other customers were incredibly sweet. We went for my sister's bridal shower. Had no problem booking for a large group (a couple of weeks in advance) and were thrilled with the choice. I recommend this restaurant to any and everyone who might be heading to A.C. Old school, classy joint.
(5)
Will K.
Came down to AC with a group of ten guys for a bachelor party/outing. For the big dinner, we came to Docks. It was a busy weekend night, so we spent some time in the bar area while waiting for our table. While waiting, we were entertained by their piano man, whose set included the requisite rendition at 9PM of the Billy Joel classic. Despite the seafood focus of the restaurant, most of us ended up ordering steaks. The steaks in general were definitely above average for steakhouse steaks. I ordered mine to share with my brother, but for some reason, our rib eye (medium rare) came out butterflied and definitely not medium-rare. Easily fixed, you would think, considering that the steak was so brutalized, but we had to call over the manager/owner to get this one settled since the waiter thought it was obvious that we would want our steak prepared that way. The second steak was delicious, though. Another remarkable item were these french fried potatoes. Delightfully crisp on the outside and served in a paper cone with stainless steel holder. But the amazing part was that they were hollow on the inside. I'm not sure how they do that, but I've been wanting to go back mostly to get these again. Unfortunately, the last time I tried, they were closed that day (some holiday Monday or Sunday) But definitely want to go back.
(4)
Marie G.
On reading reviews of this place on Yelp, I decided to make reservations here. The bad: We were put in a cramped little table where people were constantly squeezing past. Service was okay, not great. The good: The food was amazing! The wasabi tuna was just heavenly! If you're okay with spotty service for some excellent fare, then check this place out!
One of AC for redeeming value and there is not a whole for AC to redeem about. Dock's is one of my old time favorite place in a crap hole that is AC. They features FRESH seafood and specials like you would not believe. The menu is always changing and very refreshing. I had the Australian fish special and it was to die for. Although they are known for their seafood, their steaks are nothing to sneeze at. Their high quality food can only be matched by the service and attention they give to each guest. So our business affair always goes smoothly.
(4)
Leroy M.
We have visited twice, the last time without reservations. Food has been excellent and service pleasant. seating is a little tight in some areas and the bathrooms are up a flight of stairs so it may to be handicap friendly. They may have alternative. Parking is on sight.
(5)
a g.
great restaurant with interesting history. cannot say enough good things about our waiter, ivan. he was interesting, super helpful, and incredibly friendly.
(4)
Evan S.
Fantastic seafood place, from the service to the decor to the food. We had a warm beet salad with goat cheese, a fried tomato salad, and two orders of a diver scallop special. All were truly wonderful-
(5)
Kimberlee D.
Great service, cute ambiance, and fantastic food. The wine list was a little limited, but overall a great experience.
(4)
Dave L.
Solid menu, great service, nice ambiance. Found it by accident last year on vacation and came back a year later. I couldn't resist.
Fresh fish, great selection, good quantities, excellent service - not rushed at all. So much better than restaurants on the Boardwalk. Piano player at bar nice touch.
(5)
Dan H.
I went here on an AC trip. It seemed like the place to go for seafood. It didn't disappoint either. They've been open forever and we could see why. The interior was nice, they've clearly had some renovations over the years. The service was attentive and friendly. The food was great, I had some broiled scallops and they were cooked perfectly. They have a big list of daily specials, and some of the stuff sounded good, but I didn't try anything. I would go back if I'm ever in AC again. Make sure to get a reservation. This place gets SLAMMED in a hurry.
(4)
Joyce M.
I'm so happy Yelp helped me find this place! The 5 star reviews are correct... one of the best seafood restaurants I've ever been to. The waiters are very friendly and knowledgeable about the food. Oysters were incredible. Swordfish special, red snapper AND desserts equally incredible. The neighborhood is NOT bad, only one block up from the casinos...AND it has a valet lot right next door.
(5)
Jennifer M.
This is how a restaurant should be run. Food aside, consider this as a well oiled machine of hospitality. If you are wondering how the front of house should be run, come take a look at Doc's. I only wish most restaurants knew their secret. Food considered, you get fresh ingredients that are all "loved up" by the kitchen. Tradition is important but not if it means being out of touch with the seasons. Doc's is packed every night and with good reason. It's not cheap, but what you get for the money is a fair value. I just love this place.
(4)
Craig L.
Never had a better soft shelled crab anywhere
(5)
Matt D.
Very good food, service was the best that I had in a long time. We were lucky that we have a large table or the seating is a little close together.
(4)
T K.
Stuck to the specials and were plsantly surprised. Glad we came. Dinner and dessert, with one app and no booze, was 92.00 without tip. As we reside in a tourist area, the cost was typical. Good, fresh seafood. We will return.
(4)
Jason D.
I go every year without fail. It is always tremendous. It pre-dates Boardwalk Empire. It's the real deal Holyfield. Just classic, wonderful and a delicious step back into fine seafood dining.
(5)
Janice D.
Have been there twice in recent weeks. Loved it both times. Their onion rings are the best I've ever had. The crab caesar salad was a big hit, as was the fried calamari. Had the scallops the first time and it was like they had just arrived from the ocean. The oysters were wonderful. Highly recommend.
(5)
A K.
This place is absolutely fabulous. The service is top notch, the food is out of this world, the whole historical place is just not to be missed. Prior to visiting AC I asked a friend if I should eat at Dock's and she said it was tired. I read the reviews here @ Yelp and decided to try it based on the wonderful things written here. WOW! So glad we had dinner at Dock's! My only regret is that it wasn't our first night because otherwise I would have eaten dinner here both nights. Really. Everything was fantastic, but I can personally recommend the new england clam chowder (comes with clams in the shell - very cool presentation) and perfect creamy chowder. The fried tomates with goat cheese were AWESOME. I had a salmon special that was outstanding and plan to return to try two other dishes - potato wrapped and pecan crusted fish dishes. You will not regret eating here. It is one of my all time favorites! Thank you Yelpers for finding Dock's for me!
(5)
Scooter G.
Dock's was fantastic. Great cucumber martini, great service, great oysters & great lobster. Everything was cooked very well and brought out promptly. More upscale inside than i expected after reading reviews. But it is also relaxed. We wore jeans and felt completely comfortable. Didn't feel too crowded or cramped at all, although our initial table was a little small if we were ordering lobster so they moved us without us saying anything. They had delicious-sounding specials as well, but we stuck to our favorites. Definitely a nice change from going to old homestead or similar. And you feel like you're helping the city by going someplace out of the casinos. Thanks, yelpers! UPDATE: we went back again recently & the lobster was even better than we remembered. the service was again fantastic. Really, this place is great. Why are you eating at the casinos, people?? So i've upped my review to five.
(5)
Brian M.
Great atmosphere, and wonderfully fresh seafood and oysters, A co-worker and I went here rather than eat at the casinos and just had a spectacular dinner, a bit pricey but still very good, We had some oysters, the tuna tar tar, softshell crabs and the fish fry and split everything so we could try a good bit and it was just great. There is a good reason this place has survived for over 100 years and it is not the location.
(5)
E R.
My wife and I were here during Restaurant Week - March 3, 2011. Service was great. Restaurant crowded. Everybody having fun. Good drinks. Food good. No AC so a bit warm inside. Now...the "famous" clam chowder...really? It is the worst New England Clam Chowder we have ever had. Sorry. Watery, little flavor and very few clams. Also, I had the flounder stuffed with crab which was quite good. Only problem was it was served sitting in a bowl of the clam chowder! Are you crazy?
(3)
Mike D.
Been coming to AC for years and have always stayed within the casinos for dining out, but based on all the reviews, i wanted to try it. What a wonderful place! I had the 2lb lobster and my girlfriend had the scallops, both dishes were delicious! I started with the oysters and they were very fresh. Of course without great service, the food only means so much- and great service there was. Enjoy this establishment, we will be back.
(5)
Michael E.
Excellent. Classic NJ Steakhouse feel with a shorline accent. Great service, top notch food and a pleasant atmosphere. That said, the asparagus soup special tasted more like butter and cream than asparagus, but I liked it anyway.
(4)
Jp B.
This is a one of a kind place, very old, and the same family has been running it since the 1890's I think. As soon as you walk in you'll see the beautiful display of oysters and clams on ice. It's definitely a well heeled crowd from Philly and New York which is pretty cool. The raw bar is spectacular, and the menu has alot of traditional seafood dishes, all of which are really tasty. I had the surf and turf and the lobster tail was absolutely HUGE! The waiter told me it was a spiny Australian lobster tail. Seriously, I couldn't finish it and I haven't found too many food items I couldn't finish. The only downside to this place is it's size; it's tiny. But if you're in AC check this place.
(5)
Bruce G.
You read all the reviews and probably say to yourself "can this place really be that good?" I didn't believe it until I went there this past weekend. It is as good as everyone says it is! From start to finish it could not have been better. We went there with a group of 11 to celebrate a 50th birthday and the host staff was very helpful all around as was the waitstaff. This place ranks in my top 10 easily. The scallops were great as were the soft shell crabs. Desserts from banana cream pie to key lime pie were also tasty. I am in AC at least 10 times a year and I have passed by this place all those times but never thought to go there, but now I cannot see going to AC without going there!!!
(5)
Jenn R.
So fantastic! I made a reservation for my granmas 89th bday and online requested a quieter spot. After parking for free (on a weekday, not sure on weekends), we were greeted promptly and the hostess immediately wished her a happy bday which made her smile. They escorted us to a private enclave and my family felt like royalty. The food (crab cakes, crab stuffed flounder, pecan crusted salmon and sides) was fabulous. Total bill after food for four, a drink each and tip was still under $200 (barely) which I felt was totally worth every penny and I'd spend it again in a heartbeat at docks for the atmo, food and service. What was SO stellar about it tho (and worthy of me taking time out of my busy day) was the service. I know some of the reviews were sketchy on service but WILL (his name, not an adverb) was exceptional. My beau and I eat out a lot and we are pretty hard nosed critics on service, but WILL was fabulous! He was attentive without being overbearing. He was SPOT ON with all my requests (sauce on the side, light on oils, etc.). A seasoned veteran at docks for +7yrs, he will ensure your visit is memorable. My granma lives in assisted living now and when she is out, she can be a bit... Chatty. WILL listened not only patiently but conveyed genuine interest. I would highly recommend Docks for any special or humdrum occasion and I would absolutely request WILL as your server. Truly top notch. Thanks!!!
(5)
Larissa S.
wonderful restaurant!! after horrible service at amada, we figured we'd give dock's a try due to the great reviews. best decision ever. the food was wonderful, laid back atmosphere and the service was amazing. first, the drinks were great. the pomegranate pear martini was delicious and STRONG. using grey goose was a nice touch as well. i tried the house salad which was pretty large and a good start. i had a swordfish special for my entree, which was served on a tomato risotto with a tomato cream sauce and 2 grilled jumbo shrimp. delicious- i cleaned my plate. the lobster tail was good, but i honestly thought my swordfish was better. we shared the flourless chocolate cake for dessert. very interesting, not dense as it usually is and was a nice change from the standard cake. prices are a little high, but it's to be expected with fresh seafood and large portions. the staff and kitchen are familiar with gluten free and can modify/make suggestions on the dishes!
(4)
todd w.
great seafood resturant in Atlantic City. Skip the overprice commercialize resturants at the Ceasar or one of those in the casino lobby. I had the seafood samplers for appetizer. Oyster and Clams were as fresh as it get. King crab legs was delicious. The crabmeat is sweet unlike those from Phillips Seafood which was probably frozen. Btw, Phillips crab legs was $41 and the superior quality crabs legs from Dock's was $31. Dock's will be the only resturant I dine in from now on whenever I'm in Atlantic City.
(5)
m s.
If your in AC and want good food skip all the casino restaurants!!! I came here a couple years ago looking for a big lobster...WOW..the server took me in the kitchen and i picked out my own 5 pounder! $75 is cheap compared to a 3 pounder at the old homestead in Borgata- $90...Service is perfect...as well, when you walk in you see a Raw Ice bar with 10 diff kinds of oysters and clams!! they make you feel like family on your first trip...my girlfriend gets soft shells sauteed and shes obsessed...I eat out a lot and Docks is my favorite place on Earth!!! I usually get a lobster but i have had several other entrees in the 15 times i have eatin here since i found this place 4 years ago.. Everything is Great..John the bartender is awesome as well as the staff..Eat here and you will never go anywhere else while your in AC- beleive me
(5)
Megs T.
Love this place! Yes you may wait past your reservation and yes it can be loud but it is all worth it. Every time we come to the shore to visit family the husband and I always take a night out alone here. No matter the season. The raw bar is fantastic and the staff gives the most accurate descriptions of the choices. All in all a great spot.
(5)
Diana A.
Still the best seafood ever - don't miss the Crispy Wasabi Tuna (sushi grade deliciousness). And Joe's Cheese Pie is on my list of top 3 desserts of all time. I had to deduct one star because the tables are so close together, it's loud because it's always packed, and you can't linger for too long as the next group is always waiting for a table.
(4)
RB B.
This past Saturday evening was my first time here and I had such a fabulous meal that I can't wait to return. We had a reservation at 8, and despite a packed house, we were promptly seated. It took a few minutes for the waiter to come over (and we did have to ask another server for bread after we ordered) but other than that, our waiter was pretty attentive for the rest of the evening. We ordered the appetizer special: thick slices of Jersey tomato, spread with goat cheese, covered in Panko and fried until crispy, served over mixed greens and drizzled with basil oil. It was a perfect combination of creamy and crispy, hot and cool. Heaven. For my entree, I had the sauteed red snapper served over a demi-glace, topped with jumbo lump crab(huge lumps, and very generous!) and drizzled with tarragon beurre blanc. So rich and decadent. My boyfriend had the tuna, dusted in panko served over sti-fried veg and Jasmine rice with a lovely garlicky sauce. Portions were huge. I had enough for 3 meals. Wonderful hot rolls fresh from the oven. Unfortunately, we were too full for dessert, but everything on the dessert menu looked fantastic! Everything was fresh, fresh, fresh. Even though we didn't have anything from the raw bar, or any shellfish, you can tell that this is your classic, old-school seafood and fish restuarant!
(5)
Lesly S.
After researching nicer restaurants in Atlantic City for a group of 8, I came across Dock's, and it was a perfect fit. The restaurant is a nice mix of upscale food and service in a relaxed atmosphere. Seafood is the staple and the variety of fish on the menu is pretty deep, with plenty of turf thrown in. Dock's also has semi-private rooms for groups with advance reservations, so we were able to get our whole group around a nice round table without being stuck in the middle of the place. The wine list is fairly deep with some lesser known but awesome wines--its the only place I've found August Briggs on the East Coast, and when we ordered it the manager stopped by to compliment my taste. Sweet!
(4)
Pat W.
Our favorite Atlantic City restaurant. Best seafood around. They have been there since the 1940's and some of their original dishes are still on their menu. Service is AAA. ASK FOR HELEN TO SERVE YOU. She is the absolute best. Reservations very helpful.
(5)
Xq B.
In AC, it's probably best. I order shrimp ceviche(ehhh), oysters(superb!), and pan seared crab cake(very solid for the price, if you like crab cakes), hubby got shrimp cocktail, the shrimp was a 7-10 per pounder I think, which was pretty decent size, and the beef and reef, I tasted it a little of each steak and lobster, I don't know if the steak is a prime filet, thinner than what i used to, but cooked very well as a medium rare, and the tail come from at least a 2-3 pound lobster, quite nicely roasted I believe(I steam them at home so I'm pretty sure it's not boiled or steamed). Anyways, it's not the most foodiest town around, but we really enjoyed our time here and the price is better than what you get in other establishments in AC. PS. It was a wednesday prob the slowest night in AC so no wait. Although the room was pretty full.
(4)
George R.
Went last night for my 4th dinner there and excellent as usual! Corn chowder soup and oysters, salmon and flounder specials were all great, it's my favorite seafood restaurant and well worth the hour drive!
(5)
Alex L.
If you are seeking a location for a large party this is NOT the restaurant for you, the service from A - Z was unbearable. We made our reservation over one month in advance for 14+ and one hour prior to dinner we were called to come in early. A professional organized establishment would NOT call a large party to come early one hour prior to the reserved time. While making the original reservation we spoke with management regarding the best way to approach the check for a large party since some guests enjoy alcohol while others do not, the management suggested separate checks and instructed us to inform our server as soon as we were seated. Our table was ready 25 minutes later than our reserved time, at this time the hostess pointed to the table and it was a free-for-all from that point. We were amazed to not have anyone seat our party or welcome our group. In my error I made the reservation short two folks, luckily the table near us was just about to leave and the restaurant accommodated the two extra seats. About 15-20 minutes after being seated the hostess passed by and I asked if we could please have water and a server. A female server approached the table and loudly asked who is YELLING for water and service......and that was our welcome to the famous Dock's Oyster House. At that point I asked if we could please have separate checks and I was yelled at by the same server and told that they do NOT do this at Dock's. Without going into many more details I did ask the Manager and he agreed that yes separate checks were a possibility, at the end of the meal we were told the 'computer' could not handle this and they could not do separate checks. Keep in mind our group only asked for about five separate checks not 17. With all the great restaurant choices in AC it is highly recommended to visit establishments that are in business to create a nice atmosphere for an enjoyable dinner. Restaurants such as The Palm, Girasole, Forneletto, Back Bay Ale House, Old Homestead, and Carmine's are a few establishments that are in business to take care of their guests and provide great food and a memorable dinner not a stressful experience.
(1)
Kang C.
It took me at least 10 years to make my way over to Dock's and I'm glad I finally did! Great personal service! Knowledgeable wait staff. Food prepared deliciously, hot and precise to the description. They use local produce and food if they can and that's great support system for the food industry! A lot of food to eat as well and prices for a seafood/steak house was definitely reasonable! Great raw bar as well! It has valet parking so don't worry about the neighborhood (not the best at night!) Drinks were tasty as well. A nice family owned and operated restaurant in the heart of Atlantic City's mega-buffets and overpriced casino restaurants. Give it try and reservations are defintely recommended! My wife and I had 8:45 reservations on Thursday night and the place was packed!!! We showed up on time and waited about 5 minutes for our table. I guess my only gripe of this place is that it is a bit cramped from table to next table. So if you have a party of big guys be prepared for a tight fit but if it's just you and your intimate companion it's defintely a nice "fit"!
(4)
Mathieu B.
Went here the other day and had an incredible meal! First, the atmosphere within makes you forget that you're in A.C. at all. Live piano at the bar, white apron service, old school (circa 1897) steakhouse feel. Yet, the true reason to come here is the amazingly fresh seafood. Malpeque and Blue Point oysters, Oysters Rockefeller, Clams Casino, and grilled shrimp to begin. Followed by Sea Scallops du jour over risotto with a lobster beurre blanc and a 26oz. bone in Ribeye (Cowboy Steak) cooked to a perfect mid-rare and accompanied with grilled veggies and pommes soufflees (think hollowed, airy and crisp french fries. Sides of sauteed mushrooms and Fresh New Jersey asparagus in a light tempura with a parmesan aioli. Total Bliss!! Our server was Jerry, a complete professional that hooked us onto the asparagus like it was a drug by bringing a little taste to our table. Sadly, no room was left for dessert but based on everything else I can only imagine what was missed. A truly exquisite meal that capped off a relaxing visit to Atlantic City! Will be back pronto!
(5)
Tony N.
Wow! Just returned from an amazing solo dinner at the bar. The food was great, the personal service was thrilling and the conversation I had with the inspiring piano player Jim Bannach and other guests at the bar will long be remembered. It's a magical place with people I was blessed to meet tonight. Perhaps the most amazing part of the story is that my visit was on a Monday in early March; I had been walking around AC and was in casual clothes when I stopped in, hardly expecting anything special except perhaps a different experience than the casino restaurants. I had a couple glasses of Pinot Noir and a sampler of a dozen assorted oysters (I tend to always say that the oysters I've had most recently were the best ever), white clam chowder (with the whole clams w shells in the soup and large chunks of potato and onion ) and a flute special over spinach. All were superb. It's just great to know that there are places like this still around - where people love their work, love food, drink and music, and love getting to know other people. It's not cheap; figure on over $100 including tips.
(5)
Arlene M.
A gem in Atlantic City. Stay away from the casino buffets and come straight to Dock's! This is THE best restaurant in AC that I have been to hands down. We had reservations, but were late so we had to wait in the bar area for a little bit prior to being seated. It was a little crowded but the martinis (so many to choose from!) and the piano bar were both fabulous so we didn't mind. The decor feels like Old New York. Everything was delicioius. We had oysters and the shrimp ceviche for appetizer. For dinner, I had the risotto special. I forget what everyone else ordered but everyone loved every last bite. For dessert we got the banana cream pie and the dessery special which was a berry mango pie. Both excellent and large portions. Our experience, however, would not have been the same without the excellent service that our server provided us. She was friendly, quick, attentive, and knew the menu very well. She also helped us select the perfect wine. Plus even though we were the last customers of the night (we closed the place down!), they did not rush us out at all. Very classy establishment. I will definitely be back to Dock's over and over again!
(5)
Adam F.
I have no idea what the food is like at this restaurant because our reservation was not honored. I'm sure it is good, but every restaurant is also defined by the service. This is the first restaurant I have ever been to where I have ever had to wait more than 10-15 minutes for a table to be ready for a reservation. The hostess was completely unprofessional and blatantly lied to us so we wouldn't leave. If the restaurant is overbooked, that is fine, but just be up front and honest so we can alter our evening plans. We arrived right on time for our 8:30pm reservation, and were told it would just be a few minutes. We were skeptical because it was clearly overbooked as people were waiting in the bar/ front entrance area. After a half hour had passed, we were told just a few more minutes. At 9:30pm, we decided to leave because I will not give my hard-earned money to such an unprofessional establishment. Who knows if we would have even eaten before 11pm. Be warned, they will overbook on a Saturday night and your reservation will not be honored. Dock's, you think after so many years in the business you would treat your potential new customers better. Major disappointment.
(1)
Lenny K.
While our main courses were very good, I did not feel that the place lived up to the buzz on Yelp and another site. They were out of the wine we ordered. That isn't so bad but they were also out of the chowder that I wanted to order. That is not OK. Also, we felt very rushed. As soon as we finished our salads, our main courses were brought out. Really not OK at all. They also cleaned away the plates after our mains a little too quickly, not waiting for everyone to finish but seemingly hovering around us to swoop in as we each finished out dinners. It was hilarious, in fact, when Gary finished his last lamp chop, put the bone on the plate, and the plate was gone SECONDS later. By the way, when we left, there was no one waiting so I really don't know what the rush was. Our main courses were very good and the portions were large. The beet and goat cheese salad was mediocre at best. If it was just food we were talking about here, I would probably go back. However, the rushed service was a definite turn off for a repeat visit.
(3)
H L.
We got lucky and made a last minute dinner reservation. This place is very old school and we loved it. We had everything our waiter suggested and were not disappointed. Order the calamari appetizers and scallops with risotto.
(5)
Patricia S.
I've been here twice. Once with friends, all New Yorkers, and because it was wonderful the first time, I took my very Southern family a year later. The quality of service is unsurpassed. They are formal, respectful, but also very friendly. The food is fresh and obviously hand-picked and local where possible. The clam chowder is very good, the Cape May oysters are small and salty/briney and my favorite, the fish and crab entree (sorry, can't remember the full name) is very good and a large portion. The rolls are hot and so deliciously carby! nom nom. Really, everything is delicious. Oh and the valet parking makes it the full package. Well done, Dock's, well done.
(5)
Carol H.
I've been wanting to try this place for a long time. We finally made a reservation for Sat., 3/14/15. I should have known that before we even got into the place, it was an omen of bad things to come. First thing, they have valet parking. My husband and I drove into the lot and as we were sitting there waiting for the valet who was nowhere to be found, I looked over and saw a drunk girl with her pants down peeing in the middle of the parking lot....she saw us looking and ran between some cars. When the valet finally came over & got into our car, I was just getting out of the passenger side and saw him gawking in the direction of the girl - I know he was watching her because there is only one way in and out of the lot so he must have let her come in. (There was a St. Patty's party going on in a bar across the street). Alrighty then....so....we go inside and get seated at a table that was right near the hostess stand, bar and foyer. They jam so many seats & tables in there, that my seat was sticking out into the main pathway so that everyone coming into the restaurant to be seated had to pass us and within 5 minutes time, I was hit with numerous purses, elbows, & banged into, and one elderly woman actually used my shoulder as a support as she came in (thankfully I had just put my drink down, otherwise it would have been knocked out of my hand). We asked to be moved, and luckily we were able to get another table (still very cramped - but not as tumultuous). The water server came over to fill our glasses, without even some kind of acknowledgement - like, hello, how are you, whatever....anything but being ignored would have been better. The waitress we had was nice enough - she's been there a long time. I got the feeling as I was sitting there, that most of the waitstaff has been there a long time, and they act like they're just plain bored and going through the motions. My husband and I both had the raw oyster sampler. It was good, but at $12 for 6 oysters, I have had just as excellent fresh oysters elsewhere for half that price, but I figure, it's AC and you're going to be gouged. My main course was scallops - they were supposed to come with broccoli rabe, but I hate broccoli rabe so the waitress offered spinach as a substitution. My scallops were way overcooked and the spinach still had the stems on and was bitter. My husband had the fried oysters, and they were nothing special. After we payed the bill, we went outside in the pouring rain to the parking lot, again, valet was missing. They could have some kind of dry place to stand while waiting for your car. All in all, we would never come back to this place. I really don't understand all the high ratings.
(1)
Valerie G.
Located on a somewhat shadester block in AC.. but which block in AC isn't? Make reservations - they get busy! & HUGE SCALLOPS SO DERISHUZZZZZ.
(5)
Tom B.
We finally made it to Docks! We had reservations and with the free valet parking there, access was a snap. Both of us ordered the fried oyster platter, but were a bit underwhelmed. While good, we felt them to be a bit over hyped and a tad dry. We were hoping for juicy, belly oysters, but they were not. Must give marks for the way they were served, though. Service was very good, and we liked the atmosphere. I must tell the readers that we are SO spoiled by fried oysters in NOLA and fried clams in coastal Maine eateries, that local stuff just is fried strips to us. Too fussy! All else was excellent, and we will definitely be back trying some more of their menu.
(4)
Jenna L.
This place is a complete gem! Who would've thought that Atlantic City would have a place like this?! I wanted a nice restaurant to celebrate my birthday and Yelp definitely steered me in the right direction with Dock's. The place is adorable, staff is so friendly, and food is excellent. We shared 2 oyster samplers and calamari which were both incredible. For an entree, I ordered the baked flounder stuffed with crabmeat which was divine. It literally melted in my mouth and I am still trying to find out how to replicate that delicious light cream sauce. As if the exquisite food, exceptional service, and cozy environment weren't enough, they also had a live pianist playing everything from Billy Joel to The Righteous Brothers. I don't know if I'd ever go back to Atlantic City, but if I did, it would be JUST for Dock's.
(5)
E C.
Excellent! Everything we ordered was fantastic. We tried all variety of oysters, tuna tartar, shrimp ceviche, cream of corn chowder, flounder fillet with lemon, and banana cream pie. Service was impeccable as well. Our server was knowledgeable in the food, wine, and had a friendly and professional demeanor. Absolute must in AC
(5)
Francesca M.
After reading all of the hype on here I think I was expecting more. We had to wait 45 minutes to an hour to get seated even with a reservation. The bar area was soooooo small that I couldn't get to the bar for a drink, although the live music on the piano was very nice. We ordered the cold shellfish sample, which we thought was just OK. Next time we will sample the different raw oysters or try a soup. My entree was absolutely delicious...seared sea scallops...I would definitely have those again. For dessert we had banana cream pie. It was good, but we had the best banana cream pie about a month before and nothing can compare to it. I would probably try the restaurant again, but would try a different time so the wait isn't as uncomfortable or long.
(3)
Greg S.
This is a tale of 2 dining experiences. The food was excellent both times, however the service is a different story. The first time we had JoAnn as our waitress and she was fabulous. Friendly and funny with exceptional knowledge of the food, she offered excellent recommendations and we enjoyed our food tremendously. Our second experience, for an 80th birthday celebration, was a different story. Taz was our waiter and he was horrendous. Disinterested and inattentive, he was hands down one of the worst waiters I've ever had, and I've had plenty. To cap it all off, at the end of the night, we ordered dessert and after dinner drinks. After we finished dessert, we had still not received one of the after dinner drinks (we had had issues waiting for drinks all night, which he blamed on the bartender; we waited about 20 minutes for to get one round of drinks earlier in the night). We told him to cancel the drink as we all had finished our dessert and coffee. He then brought the drink right over. He refused to take it off the bill (we didn't want the drink at this point) and began arguing with us. He refused to take this drink off our bill, so we got a to go cup. Completely unprofessional. Sad way to end an 80th birthday dinner
(1)
Joseph K.
This place is holy good. Place has been around since 1887, and that tell you a lot. Their sea foods are fresh as it was just caught. I am coming back to AC just for this place.
(5)
Devin L.
Had a wonderful dinner here. The place is in a bit of a shady area, but it's AC, so what area isn't awful looking. The place has been around since the 1890's so they must be doing something right. We got a cab from our hotel, and there were 2 waiting for fares when we left, so it was cool. We started with oysters of course. Malpaque, Rappahanock, and Cape May Salts. All were very good and fresh. My drink was really good. The specials all sounded very good. I had a swordfish with a side of the asparagus. Everything was perfect. The dessert was even phenomenal, pumpkin cheesecake. The service was top notch, the food and drinks were wonderful. I absolutely recommend this place for a nice night out in AC.
(5)
Mollie N.
This place deserves 3.5 stars IMO. We walked in to New Year's Eve dinner with a bus load of geriatrics. After we passed the walkers we were seated in a booth near the back. As other reviews state, seating was very tight but expected. Our waiter brought us our menus and the wine list. The wine we picked out was spelled wrong (Ridge was spelled Rdige) but one of our favorites so we were happy they had it. Wine arrived at improper temperature but waiter was kind enough to decant it for us. Calamari was tender and cooked properly but breading was not crispy and was served with an inadequate amount of marinara dipping sauce for 3 people. Small portion for the money. Shrimp cerviche was tasty but small, served in a martini glass with a gravy-ish sauce that wasn't too appealing. Wouldn't order if I went there again. Main course was the scallop special served with risotto and lobster cream sauce. Scallops were too salty but my boyfriend didn't think that was the case. He thought they were sandy and improperly seared. Risotto was basically slightly fancy rice pilaf but tasty. The pecan crusted salmon was our favorite of the two. Served with apples and a baked potato (not stated on the menu, looked like it had been cooked in 1897 on opening day- so was promptly sent back for "fries" which were essentially potato chips) Dessert was IMO excellent (the bf disagrees) We ordered the cheese cake with cinnamon crust and raspberry sorbet. I thought the combination of raspberry and cheese cake was superb. He didn't agree but still ate it! All in all a good meal but probably would not return. Was not super impressed with service. Food felt dated and slightly overpriced. Btw, bread not replenished and water took a long time to get refilled (perhaps bc the water boy was checking out a hot girl nearby!)
(3)
denise s.
Delish!!! Flounder stuffed with crab meat, dirty martini, and banana creme pie. Can't go wrong!
(5)
Scott G.
Great seafood and steak. The service was excellent and the food was top notch.
(5)
Timothy R.
3.5 stars overall, but not allowed by Yelp. The vibe of the place is great the moment you walk in, from the hostess, the white tablecloths and wood paneling to the waiters with cuff-links. Wear a casual sports coat if you have one handy since the place is on the chilly side at least in the winter. Also, the guy parking the cars seems a little sketchy so don't leave your ipad in the car -- but I'm probably just stereotyping and he's fine. First off, they were out of several items and even salad items which is always a major bummer. The seafood tower was very good and I would definitely reorder it again. However, the ceviche on the tower could have been a little better or dropped for something else. Ceviche is a good idea just get it right and not so drab and dull tasting. The rest of the tower was great though. I would hope the ceviche is not made from various unboxed SYSCO items. The entrees were a mixed bag, some were good and some were 'eh, nothing to write home about.' The desserts were of reasonable quality but did not blow me away. The person next to me felt the same way. Expect to pay at least $60 per person. I'd return but stick to the seafood tower and try some more appetizers/oysters.
(3)
Maggie H.
Dock's is one of my all time favorite spots & a must-do whenever the husband and I venture down to AC. The atmosphere, food, and service can't be beat. Dinner starts off with a fresh baked roll. I know it's just bread, but the warmth freshness of the roll is delicious. I've tried a few of their soups before and all have been outstanding. Always fresh and filling. My husband and I usually split the raw oyster sampler to start with. If oysters are your thing, you must have the raw oysters at Dock's, you won't be disappointed. For entrees, I've tried the scallops, the crab au gratin, and the filet mignon. Again, you can always expect the freshest ingredients. I've never been disappointed by a meal at Dock's. Everything is always cooked and seasoned perfectly. I usually wash dinner down with a cucumber martini, very refreshing! The staff is always friendly, accommodating, and helpful. On my most recent visit I tried the cheese pie for dessert, which is served with strawberry sorbet. Oh my goodness, heaven! I'm already looking forward to my next meal at Dock's!
(5)
Nick P.
Dined with my fiance on Valentine's Day here. We were excited that we got our reservation. The place fills up fast, and when you dine here you'll understand why. The staff was professional and on top of everything. Our waitress knew the menu in and out, was extremely friendly and on point. For appetizers I highly recommend the Maine chowder, and a variety from their Oysters, or go with the clams. Mix and match and you'll find the ones you really like. If you are a fan of lobster, order one and you will be blown away of the size and taste to them. They are the best in the area. Everything was perfect! We will definitely be back.
(5)
Muyuan L.
Lobster were huge and delicious. Also the clam chowder. Had a great dinner in AC.
(5)
Anthony M.
I've heard such good things about Dock's but my meal was average at best. We started off with the chilled shellfish sampler which was good. We also tried the oyster stew which was HUGE. It was good but it's didn't need to be so big. It's just a lot of cream. I would recommend keeping the same amount of oysters but having less broth. Our entrees were Crab Meat Saute and Seared Scallops. The scallops were phenomenal; cooked perfectly. The crab meat saute was not very good because it was over powered by lemon. I will give them another try in the future and I will probably stick to the scallops.
(3)
Rick G.
Great, Great, Great....Great. Came here on the reco of one of the bartenders in the rundown Caesar's. The place is an Atlantic city institution and lives up to its reputation. Clean, classy, old-world style. Came with two women (15 mins late for our reservation) and were seated immediately, albeit a Wednesday night in Oct. The server was informative, and the seafood was fresh and interestingly prepared. The room was filled with mostly friendly diners, and the piano lounge in the front added a touch of fun to finish off with a nightcap and a few sing along songs. Highly recommended.
(5)
Christine P.
We always have such a fantastic experience at Dock's Oyster House, this Saturday was no exception We eat here nearly every visit to Atlantic City because in my opinion, you just can't go wrong. Everyone at Dock's is so friendly. From Holly the hostess, to Soapie the raw bar master to Dimitri the expert mixologist to Will our server who is so warm and friendly. Our service was impeccable. Also, if you're sitting along the banquettes, expect to have pleasant dinner conversation with the friendly diners on either side of you. it's common and it's a nice way to meet new people! As an appetizer I had an assortment of 6 raw oysters and 6 raw clams The raw bar at Dock's is probably as good as you'll ever get, and the young man who is at the helm (Soapie) is an expert! I have never had a piece of shell or mangled oyster or clam ever. There's a skill to opening clams and oysters and this guy has SKILL! The Mister had his usual: New England Clam Chowder. Full of fresh whole clams in their shell, leeks, potatoes and so creamy. It's flavored with thyme and I would absolutely love the recipe (I probably don't want to know how much butter and cream is in it though!) The specials all sounded wonderful Fresh Cape May Fluke with crab meat, wilted spinach and diced tomatoes Oysters Parmesan (they take their freshly shucked oysters, bread and fry them, put them back in the shell with a dollop of marinara and then broil with some provolone and Parmesan cheese... the people sitting to our left got that for dinner and it looked REALLY good, but since I had already eaten the raw oysters, I wanted something different They also had a grilled swordfish over risotto (they always cook risotto to perfection) We decided to forgo the specials...I ALMOST got the fluke, but I had such a craving for scallops and was so glad that I went with the craving HUGE fresh scallops perfectly seared, sweet as candy, over buttery mashed potatoes and wilted spinach The Mister got the rack of lamb What? lamb? In a seafood restaurant? Yup, this place has some of the best steaks and lamb we've had, period! the lamb is crusted with rosemary and garlic and served over mashed potatoes with a rich demi glaze and fried shoestring beets on top. Yum! I gave him one of my scallops and I got one of his chops... they were perfectly cooked and so juicy and tender Unless you take the first seating you can expect to wait a bit for your table, but the piano player at the bar takes requests and you can sip a nice cocktail or glass of wine and just soak in the old school atmosphere
(5)
Mark F.
This place is fantastic. The service, the food. Overall excellent!
This is an absolute must for any seafood lover. After only going because of a recommendation from a well respected connoisseur, this is now going to be a traditional stop for every trip in Atlantic City. The fried calamari supercedes any others that I have ever tasted. Creative appetizers such as $19 1 lb lobsters to a crab meat casesar salad bring your seafood tastebuds to life. Not to jump on the bandwagon, but the scallop over brocolli rab was absolutely amazing. After, the amazing banana cream pie was super delish. To add to the elegant and classy environment, there was a live piano man singing and playing your favorite tunes. This was an overall heavenly experience. P.S. You know its a serious restaurant when they break out the crumber to clean off your table before dessert.
(5)
Thomas Z.
Ordered crispy wasabi tuna, oyster sampler, flounder with crab meat, and banana cream pie. Oysters probably deserve 5 stars but the tuna deserves 3. The banana pie at the end was very good, also.
(4)
Claire O.
Sea food quality is good, but not excellent. Be prepare that you and your date/friend(s)/family will be sharing your meal conversation with other table(s) since your table is right next to it/them.
(3)
Gail Anthony T.
Yelpers didn't lie. This classy seafood joint was all that and a dime sack. As recommended, we made reservations (6:30PM last Thursday) a week in advance. Luckily we did because this place was packed when we got there. Once you walk in, you're greeted by a lovely hostess. We were a tad bit early, so our table wasn't ready. We went up to the piano bar, and the list of specialty martinis caught our eye. Just as we were about to order the pomegranate/pear and Asian pear martinis, our table was ready. What I noticed was that everyone at this bustling restaurant had a smile on their face. Our table was next to the bar which meant our drink orders wouldn't take that long to retrieve ;). The martinis were strong and tasty. They didn't last long because we had waited all day for our first drink. Now, about the service. Dock's didn't have apple juice for my kid, so he settled for water. About 10 minutes later, our server, Will, came back with a glass of apple juice, and the bottle that it came in. He had mentioned he went next door to pick up a bottle for my son. Wow! Will was on point with the menu especially with the specials. This was the last week for soft shell crabs, so we had to take advantage. The theme for us was crabs. We ordered the crab and corn chowder, crab au gratin, and the soft shell crabs. Of course, we had an oyster sampler, and they were fresh. The crab and corn chowder was probably one of the best chowders I've ever had. It had nice chunks of crab, and a hint of jalapeno to give it that kick. Both the crab au gratin and soft shell crabs were good. We got a nice portion of the crabs to split between me and my wife. All this was washed down with a bottle of Stag's Leap Sauv Blanc 2008. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough room for dessert :(. Overall, our experience was one we'd like to repeat. The next time we're in AC, we will be back at this classy and historic seafood establishment.
(4)
Vivian L.
I was able to get a reservation at 8:30 for 3 people. This place was packed when we arrived and I was glad I made a reservation because who knows how long you gonna wait without one. The waitress was attentive and friendly, but it was very noisy my friends and I had to literally screaming at each other to have a conversation. We ordered the oyster samplers; fresh and delicious. I ordered the crab meat saute and it was tasty at the beginning and salty at the end. My friends each ordered the grilled shrimps and fried oysters; the one with fried oysters said she would rather order another dozen of oyster samplers. Left with a headache from the noise and a very full stomach.
(3)
Nicole R.
Can't say enough good things about Docs ! The food is always great and the staff excellent. We always request Will as our waiter who is the best!
(5)
David D.
There's a reason why Trip Advisor rates this as the #1 restaurant in Atlantic City. The food is absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked, the rates are very reasonable for the quality of the cuisine, the portions are just right, the service is impeccable, and the menu is diverse. I can't rave about it enough. It's that good. Just go here. You will be glad you did. I have been to so many mediocre restaurants in AC and overpriced casino eateries and buffets. This place was a breathe of fresh air. I was here on July 27th (a Saturday night) with my girlfriend. I ordered the grilled swordfish; she had seared sea scallops. Both of us had appetizers/salads and a dessert along with soda and red wine. Although a relatively small restaurant and crowded place, we didn't feel cramped - plenty of elbow room between tables. The hostess was super friendly and made us feel like we were the only ones there. Very accommodating. My girlfriend can be picky and very inquisitive and our waiter could not have been more respectful and helpful, giving thorough answers and making suggestions that did not feel forced. Right away, I told her, "This guy's a pro. We're not gonna have any problems." This confidence was only bolstered throughout the evening, as we were checked on several times despite the waiter juggling many tables. We were blown away by the food. We are both seafood lovers. While neither of us were willing to say it was the best we've ever had, it was expertly cooked; tender, juicy, succulent, with the ideal amount of crisp. The risotto beneath my swordfish was plentiful and mouthwatering. Dessert was a treat. I had a truly epic piece of banana creme pie that was ridiculously sweet and creamy. Did not think it would be so big! My stomach was a little overwhelmed but my taste buds were ecstatic. In conclusion, believe the hype. The place is first rate in every sense of the word and deserves it's sterling reputation.
(5)
Gina G.
Expensive but delicious. The specials were great: blue crab with lobster, flounder with scallops. The marinara oysters were delightful. Limited beer selection.
We visited DOH during our trip to AC this summer. This place is giant and can fit tons of ppl. You can sit by the raw bar or at the regular tables. Some of the delicious things we tried there: 1. Sea food tower - fresh (the most important part here). Crab meat was perfect; oysters - fantastic; lobster - good; clams - OK. 2. Shrimp sevice - I thought there was too much scallion; other ingredients were nice touch but overall overpowered the shrimp which is supposed to be the highlight of the dish. 3. Swordfish and risotto - perfectly executed fish with delicious sauce. Risotto was good but maybe needed another minute of cooking. 4. Crab Caesar salad - I thought the salad's taste was a bit confusing: crab meat doesn't play well with greens. Would love the ingredients separately but was not a fan of the dish. Excellent food, great service, cute place. The crowd is on the older side (hello AC!). Will definitely come back on our next trip!
(5)
Rachel P.
Don't waste your time going to overpriced, average casino restaurants when there is Dock's. I have gone when we have reservations and still had to wait 30+ mins, but it's worth it. If you get lucky enough the bartender will treat you to one of his specialty drinks while you wait. He even came back down to make it when the other bartender wasn't sure what it was. Food has also been fantastic.
(5)
Chelsea M.
Make a reservation!!! Very small, close quarters but worth EVERY bite! Great atmosphere, service, and history! The crab in a light shallot and herb sauce with veggies and mashed potatoes!!! At the end we had a fresh slice of rhubarb strawberry pie with vanilla ice cream. Marvelous experience!
(5)
Kevin M.
I was definitely very skeptical about going to a seafood restaurant in Atlantic City. When I think AC, I think of the many nights I've had with friends that involved anything but eating at a fine dining establishment. And AC isn't exactly the nicest place in the world. But none the less I gave it a shot on the recommendation of my gf. This turned out to be one of the top 3 seafood places I've ever been to. The clams casino was delicious and the calamari may have been the best I've ever had. The clams were just the right size and had just the right amount of peppers and seasonings on it. The calamari was incredibly fresh and cooked perfect. It's was crispy and crunchy without being chewy. I then had the crab cakes which we excellent. Cooked just right and went perfect with their great red wine selection. This was an absolute shocker of a meal in Atlantic City. Apparently this place has been around for a very long time, and judging by the food, I can see why. 5 stars by far and a definite recommendation.
(5)
Benjamin M.
Definition of 5 Stars! We enjoyed a wonderful dinner here last night prior to heading to a show at the Borgata. We didn't have a reservation, but instead showed up right when they opened at 5:00. Smart idea, as people were already hovering around the little bar area near the entrance. Fortunately, we were able to get a table rather quickly before the main rush. We started off sharing a half dozen oysters, specifically the Old Salt (VA) and Cape May Salts (NJ). Both were excellent, but I slightly favored the Cape May. As our waiter listed the specials, we quickly decided on two of his recommendations: the swordfish with shrimp and flounder with crabmeat. I don't even remember what else was on the menu and when I got my meal I didn't even care. The sizable, yet tender, swordfish was topped with two large grilled shrimp, served on top of risotto in a lobster sauce. I can't even describe how delicious everything was; words don't do it justice. Let's just say I was practically giddy and constantly gushing the entire meal. The flounder was also top-notch (we shared both of our meals, doubling our dining enjoyment). Our waiter was very attentive, pleasant and personal the entire time. Definitely one of the benefits of having a seasoned employee versus a teenage/college-age server. The piano player near the bar was also a nice touch. The only minor drawback of Dock's is there is limited seating and most of the tables are crammed closely together. Show up early or make a reservation and prepare to get personal with the people around you, which was fine with us since the retired couple who arrived at the end of our meal were pleasant. This is an Atlantic City "must visit" if you love seafood. Can't wait for next time!
(5)
MaggieMay S.
Outstanding! We have been to the Knife and Fork in AC and thought we'd give Dock's a try. It's very charming, loved the historical aspect and the free parking right next door was an unexpected bonus. Our server, Michael was funny and took great care of us. We felt very pampered. The food was delicious, we had corn chowder, salmon and filet mignon. We finished with the cheese pie and it was the best we've ever had - light, fluffy and very tasty. I would have to say this was the best dining experience we've had in months. We will def be adding Dock's to our list of favorites.
(5)
Jason E.
As good as it gets. I love this place.
(5)
Kadian F.
I made reservations to this restaurant on the recommendation of a co-worker during a weekend trip to AC. My friend and I are both new fans of this restaurant! We were seated shortly after we arrived and moved to a table which was in the center of the restaurant so we could enjoy our food while people watching. The server had a great personality and was also knowledgeable about all the food on the menu. After deciding what we were going to eat my friend and I ordered a bottle of wine for the two of us, which is usually a good indicator of a nice meal ahead. For appetizers my friend ordered one of each oyster on the menu and I ordered the calamari. My friend enjoyed her oysters and was impressed by the different types they had available. My calamari was fresh and perfectly fried. It was a lot of calamari and definitely could easily be shared by four people. For my entree I ordered the scallops with risotto and it was excellent. I rarely order scallops as the are usually not that flavorful but our server recommended it and said it was fresh and I trusted his recommendation plus I'm a huge fan of risotto. The risotto, scallops, sauce and vegetables matched perfectly and I was very pleased with my meal. After being completely stuffed my friend and I were given the dessert menu and again under the recommendation of our server I got the cherry pie as cherries were in season at the time. The cherry pie was delightful. The baker highlighted the cherries in the pie and I was literally eating sweet juicy cherries with each bite. My friend had the key lime pie and that was also very good. This meal was the best I had in AC and rivals the meals in some of the best restaurants in DC. The menu used quality ingredients and kept it simple by working with the flavors of fresh in-season ingredients. The service was excellent. My server Taz was funny and knew how to read the table and kept us happy. I almost want to go back to AC just to have dinner at this restaurant.
(5)
Kayla M.
We had dinner at Docks last night. We sat at the bar and had drinks while we waited for our reservation to be ready. My boyfriend had a captain and coke which he said was made well- strong! I had a sour apple martini which was good. When we got seated we shared the appetizer medley- clams casino, oysters rockafeller, and grilled shrimp. All were excellent! He had the crab stuffed flounder which he loved! I had the crab au gratin which was cheesy and delicious. My only disappointment was that I found quite a few shells in it- which is why I deducted one star from this review. The fresh warm rolls and oyster crackers with horseradish are a nice addition! The atmosphere is warm, cozy, and inviting. We would definitely go back!
(4)
Danielle S.
Great place for seafood. Busy place even on a Wednesday night in November. The staff is very nice and attentive. I ordered a scallop special with risotto and it was very good. The scallops were large and cooked perfectly. The ratio to scallops and risotto was good too as they give you a large portion of scallops. The prices were average and the food and service were good.
(5)
Brandon T.
Food was good, just not too many choices. Food is very fresh and there are large portions.
FOOD was awesome !!!! Seating was very close which made for a very loud room. Piano player was fun.
(3)
Will Y.
This place is pretty fantastic. We arrived Friday night without reservations and as we were parking, the valet guy ran in to see if the place had room for us. Luckily, they had a table for us. So off the bat, it was already a great experience. When we got inside, the service was quick and our waiter was very nice. The ambiance was definitely more romantic. When we sat down to order, I started munching on the hard little pieces of bread, I wasn't sure if it was ok to eat it. The fresh bread roll with sesame seeds was delicious. Oysters were good. I got a ribeye, which was yums and gf got scallops, also yums. Will definitely be back next time we're in AC.
(5)
Susan H.
Went here based on the reviews. The food did not disappoint. If you go there and don't order the soft shell crabs you're insane, they really are incredible. The decor leaves much to be desired.
(4)
Tina B.
Great seafood place in AC. I can't say I love the location, we walked from the hotel and went past some sketchy spots so we took a taxi back since it got dark. This spot is great for couples and adults, but not much variety for a kids menu. Food was incredible and we will definately go back, but next time we will leave the kids at home.
(4)
Sandy M.
My seafood cravings and yelp reviews lead us here for dinner. The over all experience was decent. We were there at opening so there was no wait, however the tables were super tiny and I felt a bit clustered... Drinks were very strong for my liking but the food was DELICIOUS.
(4)
Sherry L.
It is a great place! I will try it again if I am in AC next time, but remember, you have to make a reservation!
Best seafood I have ever had. Best service I have ever had. What more do I need to say? Sure it's sorta pricey, but what decent seafood place isn't? I had the soft shell crab special, tried some of the scallops with risotto, and tried some of the fluke. My dish was great. The scallops were huge and the risotto was perfect. The fluke wasn't anything special but it was clearly fresh off the boat. The place is small though, so reservations are highly recommended.
Despite the rather dodgy looking neighborhood around the place, the inside was a tasteful, well-appointed haven. Simple and elegant, it mercifully avoided the cheesiness of a few other 'upscale' restaurants in the area. The service at the bar and at our table was impeccable. Our waitress knew the menu like the back of her hand, made great recommendations, and was very accommodating. The food was top-notch. From the crab caesar salad (light, fresh, tasty) to the Manhattan clam chowder (they were happy to keep out the bacon for my vegetarian palate) to the mains (our party took fried oysters, an excellent white fish special, etc.) nothing disappointed. They even put up with my grandpa, filled with nostalgia and a few of their superlative Manhattans, crooning along with the pianist for a minute or two.
Don't eat here. It's mediocre food and totally over priced. Our waiter was nice. But the restaurant is in a unsafe neighborhood especially at night. You wouldn't want to walk here at night. Also waited for a taxi for 30 minutes after our meal. We asked the restaurant to call a cab for us. They said they did, but nothing showed up. So asked them again, and the host there got angry at us for asking again. I said what is the big deal for you to call again, we just had a 350 dollar dinner here and you can't call us a taxi? So we eventually had to hitch a ride with another customer. When we told them of our experience with the taxi, they said oh, don't bother asking them for a taxi, they are terrible. Do not go here.
(1)
Christopher H.
I was fortunate enough to have another great meal at Docks recently. The cucumber Martini was made perfectly and went down a little too easily! My wife and I split the crab and asparagus soup to start and it was out of this world. There were nice big pieces of crabmeat and you could taste the freshness of both the crab and asparagus. For my entree I had the crab au gratin and it was a home run. Although there is cheese and cream in this dish, the crab really came through and was not overwhelmed at all by the sauce. My wife's scallops were similarly excellent. Service from Mike was spot on... Unobtrusive while still being attentive. I can not wait to eat here again on my next AC adventure!
(5)
Joyce Y.
This was my second time here at Dock's Oyster House. It's a pretty good place to dine at in Atlantic City. I went to AC recently (Nov 20, 2012) for a concert and decided to bring my boyfriend here for dinner. We ordered a chilled seafood sampler (2 jumbo shrimps, oysters, mussels, lobster, crabmeat, and shrimp ceviche $33), an oyster sampler, 1 dozen of oysters and a bottle of white wine. We weren't that hungry that night so we didn't order any entrees. It was VERY crowded that night and I was glad that we made a reservation. The seafood wasn't bad but we didn't have a very good dinner that night. The table next to us had 6 people and they were SO loud during the entire meal. I believe 2 of them were drunk and they were talking so loud and they kept cursing. Other than that, the overall experience was good. I would probably go again if I were to go to AC again.
(3)
Jackie M.
Best seafood ever... We went there on a Saturday night and while we were eating we made a reservation for the next night because there were so many choices and specials... Fresh seafood and the wait staff is awesome.. Our waitress was Joan and she was the sweetest person. There's a piano bar that makes the wait fly by.
(5)
MaryBeth A.
We had an absolutely wonderful dinner at Dock's Oyster House! The service was impeccable and the food was marvelous. We had reservations at 5 pm on a Saturday and arrived at opening. We were there for my husband's birthday which I only mentioned in passing when he placed his dinner order. After our meal the server arrived with dessert and a lit candle and sang happy birthday! Our server even called our cab for us so he was there when we were ready. It was a wonderful experience that we will definitely repeat when we return to Atlantic City!
(5)
Abe R.
Was the first time here with my wife. We were celebrating an anniversary. The food and service were outstanding. If you're an oyster fan, this is definitely the place for you. My wife, who is a huge crab cake fan, thought they were the best crap cakes she's ever had. Make sure you go to this Dock's location. It's definitely better than the other ones. Perfect for a romantic dinner.
(5)
Kevin C.
This place is great. Food is excellent and the staff is great. It's a little cramped, but other than that I would highly recommend!
(5)
Kelly G.
Food was excellent. Even during the week in the off season the place was packed. Restaurant itself is small and tables are pretty packed together. And since it was so busy, it was loud. This was my only reason for 4 stars instead of 5. Extensive wine list. Shrimp were the biggest I've ever seen and cooked beautifully. Had the special that night-grilled salmon and 2 jumbo grilled shrimp on a bed of risotto. There was a piano player playing, which would have been nicer if we were able to hear over all the crowd noise. Overall, we'd definitely go back! FYI: not kid friendly!
(4)
Tara M.
Excellent, well worth the price!! Service was outstanding, very knowledgable about wine pairings and had excellent suggestions from appetizers to dessert! Salmon and crabcakes were outstanding, we cant wait to be back in AC to visit again!!
(5)
dennis b.
Minus one star for the hostess and staff... Indirectly rude and arrogant. My waiter waited on other patrons that were seated literally 15 minutes after us. I was pretty annoyed.. Maybe it's because we looked young and the other couple were an elderly couple. Maybe he was thinking more tip with elderly. No clue.... I was a little annoyed. After I ordered two drinks, a cold seafood sampler platter,a dozen oysters, a cowboy steak and crab cakes his demeanor changed real quick. Not sure if he thought I was in there looking to buy an appetizer and a salad.... Food was excellent with the exception of the lobster and crab cakes... Maybe I am a snob about lobster but it does not taste as good as Maine... That's for sure. Tastes old and of the frozen variety. Especially the claw... This was the second time in AC where the lobster tasted the same.... Rubbery and eraser like. Crab cakes were ehhhhh. Definitely the canned variety. No clue about the dipping sauce they offered with it. Was a cocktail hot sauce holindase mix. Should of just gave the holindase sauce. However the oysters (local salts) were excellent. Cleaned and shucked well... I must say. Oysters were on point. If I wasn't stuffed I probably would have ate another dozen. Still pissed about my other encounter with oysters in AC however this more than made up for it. The cowboy 28 oz ribeye was cooked perfectly. Had enough to literally feed two. Minus one more star for not being acknowledged as I left. However a couple that walked out literally right behind us the hostess said thank you hope to see you again. Literally right behind us. Food was good however I shouldn't have tipped 20% cuz they were very rude. I know they have been in business since the 1800's and they don't care because they have a crazy following but still. Minus another star as they sat us in the front near the hostess and the fellow waiters had the nerve to talk to each other complaining about a "cheap annoying customer complaining and then leaving a cheap tip". Very professional...
(2)
Jessica C.
The food at Dock's was great! While I wish there had been a larger portion of calamari in our appetizer, it was very delicious. I got a sort of ... crab cake fried shrimp hybrid, which was delicious and filling. The 'fries' were actually really long chips, but they were yummy! The reason for the two star deduction was due to the wait service. Our waiter in particular seemed to be hopped up on something. While standing directly next to us almost the entire time we were there, he either tried to interject into our conversation (listening in, apparently), or blatantly stared at us as we ate. He was also handsy, taking my boyfriend's flatware out of his napkin and patting the napkin into his lap... He tried to do the same thing to me, so I politely declined and put my hand on my napkin... and he gave it a little jerk anyway, ignoring me and trying to take it out of my grip. The man gave me some extreme anxiety for the rest of dinner. For all of his 'attentiveness', he actually forgot to bring us any bread to start, and he never offered us a refill on our drinks. But, the food was delicious.
(3)
Monstra M.
Wow! Wowwowowowow Biggest freshest shrimp cocktail. Calamari that was perfectly crunchy and chewy and the same time! And............. The tastiest 5 POUND LOSTER EVER! Three of us were soooo full! I would have never thought about this place for our brief ac trip if I hadn't read some of these yelp reviews. Please! If your thinking about it go there. Also there's a piano guy who is great and talks to you while he's playing!
(5)
Doug R.
Not much for me to add that hasn't been said. I went to AC alone to slay the craps table and dinner was to be solo. The hostess and waitress went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. I don't mind eating alone, but I really appreciated their awareness. My server was Helen, a true professional that made me feel like family. She told me the history of Doc's, and you can tell that she very much enjoyed working there and wanted to make sure that I had a great experience. I kept it basic, app of the Calamari, Vodka on the rocks and a Strip Steak. All were superb. Dessert... I had an Espresso with a chocolate something or other, I didn't look at the menu, just asked for something chocolatey. It was surprisingly dry. Just a minor blip on an otherwise perfect meal. It was fun sitting at my table, watching the dining room "buzz". I thought about all the great times and special events that must have taken place there over the decades. Doc's is a classic. I'm glad I went, and I look forward to going back.
(5)
Sebastian T.
Best restaurant in AC, food was fantastic. Wait staff was attentive. Family owned and operated. Love the fried tomato.
(5)
Liz L.
If you google "best seafood in AC" this is the first place that pops up. So, there was no question that we had to try it. We couldn't get same-day reservations for Saturday night, so made reservations for Sunday (8/18). Glad we did, because it was super-busy for our 6:30 seating. Despite the close-quarters and the very loud, it was well worth it. The food was, by far, the best seafood in AC. My husband had the clam chowder and they cook the clams right in the broth, made to order. It's not your traditional clam chowder and was a little soupy for his taste, but it looked good with the clam shells and potato chunks. I had a crab-asparagus soup. It was okay, but not remarkable. What was remarkable was the delicious soft-shell crabs I had. I know soft-shells aren't for everyone, but if you like them they are great here. My husband had the swordfish. He said it was really good. We kept seeing plates of giant lobsters being served at other tables and wish we had sprung for one of those. They looked so good! They sell lobsters by the pound - all the way up to 6 lbs! Dessert was really good too. I would definitely recommend this place for a nice dinner. Prices are comparable to what you would find at a restaurant in one of the nicer Boardwalk casinos. Service here is great too, so that also helps. Definitely a must!
(5)
Sandy C.
Fresh oysters. Delicious grapefruit salad special... Scallops were terrific. Fish piccata special equally as good. Great service... Didn't feel rushed even though the place was jammed. Only downside was it was very cold over at our little corner table. Don't know if it was because of the doors opening with constant patrons in and out. So thankful to YELP for helping us locate all the best foods in different cities!
(5)
Gary S.
This place is great! The staff was friendly, attentive and very nice. The food was excellent, tasty and nicely presented. The prices were reasonable and the food was well worth it. By chance they had soft shell crabs as a special which happened to be what we craved that night. The restaurant is fairly small and expect to wait for a table, but it's so much better than any of the "high end" franchise restaurants. Great place, we will be back!!
We visited Docks on a Saturday night with 5pm reservations. Pulled up into their parking lot and was told by a casually dressed man that I needed to get out of the car so he could valet us. This was quite confusing as he had no uniform on and the parking lot is at max about 100ft long and wide. Why not just let me park myself? Strange. Also had a couple of items missing from our vehicle after the weekend, coincidence? We walk up to the doors right at 5 and the place is locked down, no entering at all. Standing in the cold without a car, we wait for a couple of minutes AFTER 5 with about ten other guests until we can enter. Again, strange. We are seated by a pleasant enough lady and given our menus and poured water. An older waitress approaches the table and with a rude tone asks "What do you want to drink?". Not "Hi, welcome to Docks", or "hello my name is...". We were shocked at the first impression of our server and she continued to get worse. After looking at the menu we decided on the oyster sampler to start with and pecan crusted salmon and crab au gratin for dinner. After giving her the entire order, our server decided that it was too much to remember and asked us to repeat it after she pulled out a scratch pad. I am asked if a baked potato is acceptable for a side item, and I ask if I could substitute for something else. I am told that I am not, no substitutions. Why was I asked then?? Oysters arrived, with a very nice man who seemed to be the "oyster guy". They were excellent! Maybe we were being too quick to judge, food seems good. Main courses arrive and at first glance look great. Dig into my crab au gratin and it tastes like poorly picked crab meat (many shell fragments in the meat) was mixed with velveeta cheese and cooked. Not to mention that the sauce was literally drowning the poor crab meat. My partner was equally dissatisfied with her salmon as the flavor pairings were very strange. Pecans and salmon on a bed of apples and covered with ranch dressing. We have eaten at many, many places and never seen such a crazy concoction. Not to mention the plated meal directly conflicted with the menu description. Overall opinion is very poor of this place. Food needs a lot of work, and so does some of the staff members. A $100+ meal for two should absolutely have both aspects greatly improved. Definitely will not return to this restaurant on return trips to AC.
(2)
Megan K.
flawless. it just doesnt get any better than this. i have never gone to the same place two nights in a row, especially in a town with 9000 restaurants. we found it on a friday night, luckily they had a table. the server was delightful. helped us pick what to eat. helped with the wines. and everything was incredible. oysters, steak, bass, desserts, and cocktails. it was so amazing, we went back on saturday night. it is sexy, the food is out of this world. the service is perfect, the wine selection is on point. it aint cheap! but it shouldnt be. you get what you pay for. this is a dining event. its noisy. people are having a great time. it is upscale, but you can wear jeans. we did and did not feel at all out of place. this is a place you go to celebrate something. if you dont have something to celebrate? make something up because being in here feels like a special occasion.
(5)
William H.
I came a little late to our reservation and the hostess was polite and understanding. We were seated quickly and got our appetizers exceptionally fast. I ordered the clam chowder and the cowboy steak. The clam chowder was simply magnificent. It was exquisite and perfectly made, the best clam chowder ive ever had. ORDER IT! the cowboy steak was decent. I was a little disappointed because i thought it would be more flavorful. The clam chowder set the bar too high for the steak. I definitely recommend this place
(5)
Denise M.
Although this gem isn't in one of the hotels, it's only about a 5 minute cab ride from boardwalk and definitely worth it! My friends and I went for my birthday and we were very pleased with the the food, service and overall the entire night. We had raw oysters to start (amazing and very fresh). I had their version of new england clam chowder (AMAZING). For dinner, i had the lobster tail which was kind of bland. I was a little disappointed. I tried some of my friends dishes (crab au gratin, filet mignon) and they were great. I would definitely return to the restaurant upon returning to AC.
(5)
Sid B.
both started with clam chowder with 7 clams steamed in the soup; wow wife had 2 lb lobster at only $39; very tasty , ( but a little chewy) I had pan sauteed crab cakes with lump crab-meat; very good crab-meat; tasted biscuity; excellent taste; and texture, ( different = not BA crab-cakes, but very good) nice atmosphere ; great service; and live piano ; relaxing
(5)
Mac B.
Went for a birthday celebration last evening. The service was impeccable and the food to good to describe. Flounder, crabmeat and shrimp cocktail and banana cream pie was the happy ending. Never have been disappointed at Dock's. We just keep going back for more.....
(5)
Lola L.
Came here tonight the food was great , service was good .... The only reason why I gave them 4 stars is because the hostess was rude and inattentive ( she had no customer service skills) Everything else was great ... Too bad they have someone talking like that to guest ....
(4)
Wesley M.
I had high hopes for Dock's from reading all of the good reviews, but I felt it was mediocre at best. Pros - Seated quickly. I made a reservation on OpenTable. It was a full house and luckily the table was ready when we got there. - My girlfriend really liked her clam chowder, shrimp from the seafood tower, and seared scallops. - Banana cream pie was really good! Cons - Service was spotty. The main server seemed to have jumbled her words when explaining the specials of the day. All I understood was the beginning and end of each special. - Food runners were a bit rude and unprofessional. For an 'expensive' and 'classy' restaurant they didn't sweep the crumbs off the table or move things around on the table before serving entrees. There was also no warning as they would just quickly put food in front of you. The food runner almost hit me in the face with my girlfriend's entree. - Sides were really salty, so I concur with some of the other reviews that people have had on Yelp. - I ordered the rib eye medium rare - it was MR on the sides of the steak, but then more like raw in the middle and near the bone. About 30% of the steak was inedible. Nice atmosphere, decent service. Order seafood if you go and nothing else.
(2)
Fatema K.
Great oysters (raw bar), regular entrees, shoddy service First things first, if you're planning a visit to Dock's, make sure you make reservations. They get really busy, especially on weekends and the wait can get horrendously long. We reached for our reservation on time, and were asked to wait since our table was not yet ready. It took them about 10-15 mins to finally get us seated, but you can wait by the bar and get a drink while waiting. We started off with a selection of oysters from the raw bar. This was one of the main reasons we wanted to try this place, and it did not disappoint. They were fresh, and the condiments were perfect. We also tried the shrimp ceviche. It was nice, but not what we were expecting the ceviche to be. The way they prepared it, tasted more like shrimp fajita filling. We decided to split the entree and decided on one of the special's - fluke fish topped with crab meat, with sauteed spinach in a garlic based sauce. The fish, though fresh, had no flavor and the crab meat was scanty at best. We decided to skip dessert after this unimpressive meal. Now, the bad. The service! Our server came by with two glasses of water with ice. I requested for a glass without ice, and he disappeared for ten minutes to find one. After he brought me another glass, he decided to let the old glass with ice be on the tiny table for two anyway and walked away before we even had a chance to ask him to take that away. For the food, he decided to do a complete 180 and snatched away most of our plates (the oysters and the ceviche) before we were even done with it. We had to keep repeating that we were still working on it, which was actually pretty obvious, considering that we had utensils in our hands and were still chewing our food. Anyway in conclusion, if you're ever in AC, stop by for the oysters and head elsewhere for dinner.
(3)
Tom S.
Simply a 5 Star restaurant on all accounts. If this restaurant was located in NYC, Chicago, or any other major city it would be "world famous" Just go!
(5)
Eric O.
Restaurant is what I would call an "old-money" type-of-nice, still upscale place though. Made reservation the day of but was packed when we arrived, so sat down 45min after arrival(could be due to being a Friday night). Need a better way to organize people at the front because it was crowded and sloppy at the check-in stand. My buddy and I ordered 3 oysters, bowl of soup, a surf & turf, and a filet mignon that came out to be $110, and that's considering we only had waters. All dishes were average in general, but below-average for what I expect for the price from a white tablecloth restaurant. Probably wouldn't return, given the amount of alternatives in the area. Service was definitely amazing though, smiles from start to finish throughout process.
(3)
Karen T.
I went to Dock's recently when I was there for "Girls Weekend". I was so impressed! I loved the astmosphere. We made a reservation based on other reviews. I like the feel of a busy place so I was fine with the noise and hustle and bustle. The tables are close, but again I was having fun with my girlfriends so I didn't mind. Our server was great! Taz (I think I have that right) was friendly, knowledgable and attentive without being in our face. He made geat suggestions and really knew his menu. Now, to the best part...the food. I enjoyed the food a great deal. We split the shrimp cocktail, and clams casino. The shrimp was great, huge shrimp with spicy cocktail sauce. The clams were ok. They has a lot of green and red peppers on the, I always like of clams casino as having breading on it, but maybe I have that wrong. I had a scallop special that was the best scallops I have had in a long time. My dinning partners had the crab saute, simple but delicious, and the my other friend had the potato crusted flounder, that was also great. I can hardly wait to return to this wonderful place.
(4)
Joe T.
Everything we had was amazing and the service was excellent. On the pricey side but you definitely get what you pay for.
(5)
Johnny C.
This place is great for seafood. If you like oysters they have a great selection. Their dinner options are great too, we have the scallop risotta and it was excellent!! Every time I go to atlantic city I always have to stop by!! Of course you wanna drive or cab there because theres alot of shady ghetto areas in atlantic city!! that's why they have everything located inside(restaurants,entertainment) the hotels your staying at!! they don't want you to leave the hotels for safety reasons!! lol
(5)
Amy D.
What a wonderful surprise! My boyfriend and I couldn't even believe how nice and delicious this meal was. We were in Atlantic City for a getaway weekend although Atlantic City is neither of our styles really. Docks was exactly our style. So classy and the food was better than any meal I've had all year. Seriously. I had the filet mignon special, still on the bone. The couples on either side of our table both commented that they didn't think I'd be able to finish it. This girl can really put it down though and I ate it all, leaving the amazing lobster mac and cheese and creamed spinach sides as great leftovers for the next day. My boyfriend has the crab meat entree and was so happy with it. We shared some oysters before the meal and has dessert- everything was so tasty. Basically, best. Best place in town.
(5)
Courtney D.
as husband put it, this is how all food should taste. we had the loveliest dinner at Dock's. tried to make a reservation in the afternoon but were told they were completely full. after strolling the boardwalk we thought we'd just hit a casino buffet instead. Caesar's wanted $75 for 2 (that was WITH the member discount) and we just couldn't justify the bill for buffet quality food, so we gave Dock's one more try. SO glad we did! the hostess quoted us a perfectly reasonable 45 minute wait at 7pm on a saturday night. when we returned the lobby was packed, but we still got out table on time. the server was kind and sweet as could be. i had two oysters (fantastic), the steamed clams (in a delicious, chunky, spicy sauce so good that i broke my gluten-free regimen to sop up the extra with a warm & seeded roll), beet salad (with pistachios, goat cheese, and mandarins) and husband had the seared scallops. everything was wonderful. one of those dinners where you keep looking at each other going, 'this is just so good.' thank you, dock's. i have at least 3 more dishes lined up to try next time. ;) though Dock's has a reputation of being the high-end seafood arm of the Harry's/Knife and Fork group, but our bill was still less than the buffet at Caesar's. absolutely worth it.
(5)
Stephanie P.
#18 This place was everything we expected it to be and so much more. On our first trip to Atlantic City, my boyfriend decided to look up places that are highly recommended in the AC - apparently, Dock's was a restaurant that HAD to be visited. Plus, it didn't hurt that we're BIG seafood fans. =) So, after a full day on the boardwalk, wandering up and down the beach, and some drinks at the Continental, we decided to head inland to Dock's. By that time, though, it was getting freezing and we were starved. However, once we walked into Dock's, all of those worries melted away. We were greeted by the manager himself in a sharp suit and we asked for seats at the bar. Our server was super friendly, answering our questions and being patient as we decided on what to get. There was live music being played and the entire crowd was just so jovial! There was so much conversation going on in every corner of the restaurant, the place practically vibrated with good feelings. =) We ended up ordering the Chilled Shelfish Sampler for 2, as well as a glass of the Riesling (for me) and a White Russian (for him) The server did push for us to get the Sampler for 4 because he was convinced our order couldn't possibly be enough food. We were able to watch the guy put together our entire order since his workstation was right in front of us and it was exciting! Once he finished putting it all together, it was quite impressive - a 2-tiered work of seafood marvel. We started at the top with the shrimp ceviche, which was nicely chilled and tasted so fresh. Things only went up from there! Everything, and I truly mean, everything in the sampler tasted DELICIOUS. The crabmeat was tender, the oysters were fresh, the lobster was tasty .... I could go on forever. But, adjectives aren't enough to describe their food. Really, you just need to try it out for yourself. =)
(5)
Chris N.
Great ambiance, excellent selection of fresh oysters, and very knowledgeable service. I personally have a standing reservation every time I visit AC from here on out. Even on the slowest of nights, every table will fill up quick by closing time, for they are only open for 5 hours a day. Authentic fine dining, from the bright-white table cloths, to the piano bar at the entrance, to the friendly staff from bar to busser. Dock's not only exceeds any expectations of a "fancy" restaurant in AC, but sets the bar when it comes to the complete package of 5 star dining experience. Small but quaint. Modest but humble. The history of this restaurant speaks for itself. Knowing that no experience can be the same, nor any where close to the original, every rendezvous with my family and friends in the future at Dock's will unmistakably authentic.
(5)
Matt D.
The food & service can not be beat. We were greeted graciously from the lot to the table. The service is excellent ,attentive & prompt . White table cloth ,crisp waiter uniforms & very clean! Old school menu is well planed, not overwhelming (no real vegetarian choice) . The food could not be beat , superior freshness&quality . The kitchen should be proud. Just go!
(5)
Esther Y.
Okay... my bf and I are degenerate gamblers so we usually go to AC often and we didn't know about this place til recently. WTF? Thank GOD we did! Holy moly the food was delishhhhhhhhhhhhh! We must've ate like two dozen of oysters and we shared the lobster. That shit was HUGE!!! The atmosphere is also very warm. Which is another +. Can't wait til I go back there. NOMNOMNOM
(4)
Adam B.
I'm going to keep this short and sweet. 1. Spend less money on the slots and board-walk souvenirs and save it for Dock's Oyster House. 2. Make a reservation if you can, if not, just walk in. 3. Ask for your table, if there are non available, take the first seats available at the raw bar. 4. Order the Chilled Shellfish Sampler for two (providing you are not allergic). 5. Don't share it (unless at gun-point). 6. Eat it, enjoy it and burp politely at the end of it. 7. Suggest to the person you came with that they order the same thing. 8. Review Dock's Oyster House on Yelp. If I ever return to Atlantic City, I will go here again.
(5)
LeighAnn G.
Fried Oyster Parm was probably one of the best appetizers I have ever had. The Tuna Steak is fresh and delish. Was recommended from Yelp and well worth the experience! Excellent service and family owned atmosphere. An AC must!
(5)
Marius P.
Docks is a staple, and serves classic foods... but the staff has no clue what a prime steak is, and was just good, not outstanding. Will definitely go back.
(3)
Corey M.
Wow. It has to start with that. We made a reservation for 5:15 on a Sunday. We were one of 2 tables when we started our meal and every table was full by the end. The food was phenomenal. My wife started off with a salad special with feta cheese. We asked the type and the gentlemen in charge of purchasing gave us the name and spoke with us for a while. He wound up brings us a taste of their goat cheese as well which I ate the sample like it was ice cream, scraping the bottom of the cup with my spoon it was so good. I had the sampler which was delicious. Perfectly prepared seafood. My wife had the tuna for her entree on our waiters recommendation. It was perfectly prepared and great. I had the cowboy steak which was fantastic and HUGE. We ordered the French fried beets as a side and were blown away! Never had beets like this before (shredded and flash fried). We ended our meal with the lemon merengue pie, again on our waiters recommendation since he was spot on with everything else. This was perfect. The lemon was tart and sweet at the same time. The merengue was light, airy and the perfect compliment to the lemon. I can't say enough about the experience we had (as you can see) from the service, which was fabulous, to the food. Can't wait to visit again!
(5)
Sarah X.
Class up your weekend trip to AC & stop by Dock's! Pianist by the bar, seasoned and friendly waiters... mouth watering seafood mmm. The ambiance is top notch, it all makes for an extremely enjoyable evening. We had the shellfish sampler for 2, and a dozen oysters. The crab claws are to die for, the cocktails are strong. Definitely the classiest establishment in AC by far.
(5)
Andrew J.
I can attest to everything Jin raved about this place. Amazing food, service, ambiance, and price wasn't out on the stratosphere. In short, this place played a significant role of making our trip!
(5)
Samnang S.
I don't think I will come back to Atlantic city, but if I do, it's because of this place. Service was great and the food was delicious! The server knows his stuff so we gave him a very nice tip. It's packed for a reason, so make sure you make a reservation.
(5)
Beth G.
Excellent meal. Everything from the appetizer - Maine clam chowder, to the Sea Scallops entree, finishing with the apple crumble. We were a party of six and everyone had rave reviews. Our waiter Mike was excellent and had a nice sense of humor. The hostess needs to take some lessons from him as she did not make you feel welcome at all. Thank goodness the waiter made up for that. Would recommend this to anyone and while it wasn't cheap it was well worth it.
(5)
Carol L.
The best seafood on the Atlantic coast. I too had the soft Shell crab special. You get 2 crabbies. Superb! Hubby had the fried shrimp which he was very happy with. Also had some fresh cold oysters!! Yummos!! A short walk from the hotels. A must visit in Atlantic City!!
(5)
Blanca S.
What a disapointment !! Oyster stew was just Milk with no flavor and the Fried Oysters were all breading and little oyster flavor!!!
(1)
Wendy Y.
Open since 1897, Dock's Oyster House has been around almost as long as Atlantic City itself. Known for their seafood and steaks, as well as their warm and friendly environment, this great restaurant has been around for over three generations. If you're planning on going to Atlantic City and love food, you have to come to Dock's. A few blocks away from the casinos, it's definitely a place worth making a visit to. The first time we tried to dine here, we didn't make a reservation, which meant over an hour wait for a table. We decided not to wait, and made a reservation for a different night. When we finally made it for dinner, we were delighted by the pianist playing and singing by the bar. We ordered drinks and proceeded to peruse their extensive menu, from their raw selections, their classics, and their meat selections. After looking the menu over, we decided to stick with the raw bar. We ordered every Fresh Oyster they offered, with lemon, homemade cocktail sauce, and cider mignonette; and got an order of the Top Neck Clams on the Half Shell served with lemon and cocktail sauce. Between the 2 of us, we ordered almost 2 dozen oysters. Yes, we ordered a lot of oysters, but they were all so good! I think we could have gotten another dozen to split. The Top Neck Clams were very good too, especially when you put their horseradish on top of them. For dessert, we ordered their scrumptious Banana Cream Pie. From speaking to our server, it's one of their most popular desserts. And that it was- a perfect end to our meal. So if you're looking for great food in Atlantic City, go to Dock's Oyster House. You won't regret it.
(5)
Lorenzo T.
Was in Atlantic City on Saturday with some friends. Called for a reservation after we ate breakfast that day. We got an 8:45PM reservation but got hungry early so decided to walk over at 6:30PM to see if they had any open tables. The captain instructed us that he could do something in 30 minutes. So we had a pint of their draft wiess beer, good stuff! My friends got a quick order of shrimp cocktail, 4 giant super fresh shrimp. Possibly the best shrimp they've had. They had a huge selection of different raw oysters. Our buddy Tom basically ordered what we decided was "the perfect meal." He started with the sampler, which is a combo of all the good stuff. For his main course he decided to get one of the specials. A clam bake, which contained everything in the sea, including lobster, with some tomatoes and fennel sauce goodness. Could be something you share with another person easily. The crab cakes were good, but not the best I've ever had, but still very good. No breading pan seared solid lump crab with some peppers and onions. Sauce was tasteless, but a lemon is really all you need. The thought of getting dessert had left our minds well before the last bite was taken. But everything they were serving looked really professional. Our server, Helen, was so awesome. She took her time explaining all the specials and talked to us about everything we ordered. I wish more people were this good. She had no problem splitting to check between different credit cards too. Awesome service!
(4)
Z T.
It's Very small and cozy inside... I think the tables are very close together. The good and service was excellent no complaints at all...
(4)
Kim N.
Excellent restaurant! The food is amazing. Lots of choices. Staff members are very attentive. Definitely recommend!
(5)
TJ P.
My second visit to Dock's in about a year. Same outstanding experience that I had the first time. This place is just outstanding. From the soup, to the appetizers, the entrees, to the desserts, you won't be disappointed. The service is so professional and tactful, you have to sit back and think "So this is how a restaurant should be run." I have to mention, sadly, that the neighborhood that Dock's inhabits is not the best. I walked there with my wife after dark on a weeknight, just three blocks from the Trump casino, and it was not a pleasant experience. A man aggressively panhandled us for money right in front of Dock's, on Atlantic Avenue. On the way back, one street over, I saw a young woman and a drug dealer doing business. Police cars cruise up and down the streets, but they can't be everywhere. Drive to Dock's and use the valet service.
(5)
Kristin M.
Thank you Yelp and Open Table for a great find in Atlantic City. This was a thriving local spot on a Monday night with an accompanying high decibel factor. We were seated 20 minutes late despite having a reservation and the hostesses could use customer satisfaction training as well. The wait staff was professional and attentive. The food was amazing overall.
(4)
Jeannie D.
One of the best seafood houses. It's a must! To salads and main courses were great. There were 4 of us and we all had a great meal. Our waitress was the best. And they have a parking lot. I'm gone back!
(5)
Chris M.
Even the butter was delicious! The food was absolutely amazing, IMHO it beats paying for casino crap any day of the week. The swordfish special was how swordfish should taste! It was cooked perfectly and was delicious. The waitstaff was friendly and knowledgeable, service was good as well.
(5)
Monique C.
We finally made our highly anticipated visit to Dock's Oyster House. The Yelp reviews and paired photos naturally gave me high hopes. We drove from Philly into AC for a concert at the Trump Taj Mahal. Since we were celebrating our anniversary, we wanted to visit a small, moderately upscale, romantic restaurant; Dock's fit the description. Our reservation was for 6pm. We were at the mercy of the AC expressway and running late. I made a quick call to Dock's and the hostess was super polite and understanding. When we arrived she thanked me for calling, took our coats and reminded my boyfriend of their "no hats in the dining room" policy. The pianist in the bar area was a great touch. My boyfriend ordered beer and I ordered wine. Our appetizer medley of grilled shrimp, oysters and clams was amazing. My boyfriend ordered the stuffed flounder topped with crabmeat. He thought is was delicious. I ordered the sea scallops over broccoli rabe and mashed potatoes. It was very good. For dessert I had the cheese pie (essentially cheesecake with whipped cream) paired with raspberry sorbet on a wafer. I think I enjoyed dessert more than dinner. My boyfriend was not so impressed by the apple crisp but ate it all :-) Our waiter was friendly, witty and helpful. Be sure to make a reservation as the restaurant was full by 7pm. 5/5 for Dock's; our new favorite AC restaurant.
(5)
Olga R.
Great food, lively atmosphere, little noisy. Busy and fun place!
(4)
Tee B.
Arrived a few minutes late was no problem as we dined on a Monday night for my honey's birthday. Seating was fine out server RJ was the BEST and bright spot of our night. However the general manager Michael was atrocious and needs better customer service skills!!! Guessing he was frustrated because the waiters had to bus their own tables and bring out the good since the busboy had called out that day!!!! Good presentation was good, a lot for what you pay for. Lobster could have been more tender, their version of clam chowder could have been slightly thicker but the flavors were nice. Their special appetizer of the night fried oysters marina was EXCELLENT. Probably wouldn't dine here again, but it was an alright experience. Thanks again RJ
(3)
B R.
Unlike other Yelpers, I tend to only write reviews for restaurants that truly deserve praise. With all that considered, I simply couldn't get to my pc fast enough to write a review of Dock's. My fiance and I went here together after seeing all the positive reviews on Yelp. As usual, the consensus was spot on. My fiance and I got there a bit early so as we waited at the bar, the team behind the bar couldn't had been more hospitable. The gentleman manning the raw bar was so willing to answer my questions and I was SO impressed with his knowledge and enthusiasm in explaining the differences in all of the oysters and clams. The bartenders were also accommodating, remaking my lady's drink for her as she felt it was too strong...Without batting an eye. I was a little surprised that you couldn't get an appetizer of baked clams, shrimp cocktail and mussels but this restaurant has been there for over 100 years...Who am I to doubt them...lol. We did get a clams appetizer in this amazing broth. The shrimp were SO fresh but I really don't know why it was so expensive for just 4 shrimp. The lobster was SO fresh...No fishy taste at all. The rolls were amazing (although the butter should be served soft...It's like a brick. Love this place and am counting the days until I return.' FANTASTIC wheat beer on tap...Awesome!
(5)
Mike M.
The absolute best white clam chowder I have ever had. The Scallops were a good or better (the best I have ever had). The scallops came with brocolli rabe and mashed potatoes which were also awesome. The shrimp in the shrimp cocktail were huge and delicious. What else can I say? A perfect 10.
(5)
Luna H.
Just delicious!! Really, nothing else to say. The people was super nice, the food was excellent and we just loved it!! The best thing of my trip to Atlantic City and the only reason why I would go back. So yummy...
(5)
Beth R.
This was one of the best meals I've had in a while. Having made the rounds of many of Philly's steakhouses and seafood restaurants, I can honestly say that the filet I had here on Friday night was amazing. And while I was very much preoccupied with the deliciously medium rare piece of meat on my plate, the other things I ate were also really good.... including my side of yukon gold potatoes, the grilled shrimp appetizer, my date's red snapper, the Malbec by the glass, and the Baily's chocolate mousse dessert. Yes, it is a little pricey, but very much worth the $$.
Had dinner last night. My wife said that this was probably the best seafood dinner she has had. I won't give her age but suffice to say she has had many. The main course specials were prepared perfectly. The Chief knows how to cook seafood. They were "goldilocks" ..cooked just right. Service was spot on. Will, our server, provided great recommendations and was impeccable in every aspect of service. Crowded? Yes and reservations are a must for weekend even in Feb. Get out of casino dinning and bask in the best seafood restaurant around.
(5)
Ashley H.
Great service, food, and wine list for a reasonable price!
(5)
Jennifer T.
Fresh and traditional seafood. Great service and generous portions. Service was perfectly attentive and our waiter was pleasantly snarky.
(4)
D L.
Been here a few times, at times, regardless if one has reservation, there is a wait longer than 30 mins. Not cool. However, the FOOD is amazing [Salmon] - very consistent. The service is good. The beers are fresh and fairly priced. Overall, one of my fav seafood restaurants.
(5)
Staci W.
Would give it 3.5 stars. I had high expectations given the reviews. We called in our reservation as we were driving into atlantic city on a friday evening in january. Valet parking was convenient and prompt. Upon arrival we were seated right away. We both ordered the surf and turf. Portion size was good but I found it to be just ok given the prices. Tables were too close together which was a bit uncomfortable Because the tables were so close together the gentleman at the table next to us had a delicious looking fish entree and on the other side the couple had the largest slice of cake I've ever seen. I overhead the waiter encouraging the gentleman with the pasta dish to go online and write a review after he raved over his fish dish. I would return but wouldn't order the surf and turf.
(3)
Phil G.
Great little small business 1 block off the boarwalk in AC. We were pleasantly surprised that we did not encounter the long waits that other people have complained about. 6pm reservations on a Friday night got us seated right away (though it had been raining all day, which may have kept some people from heading down the shore). The decor is sort of seaside-steakhouse. The service was very attentive, and the all courses (from the calamari, to the crabcakes and sea bass, to the chocolate cake) were all quality. The hostess was even nice enough to call a cab for us after dinner as it was pouring and we didnt want to walk to our show at Bally's.
(4)
christina t.
A wonderful experience! My husband and I chose to celebrate our wedding anniversary at Dock's and I couldn't have been happier with our choice. The service was fabulous and we enjoyed the live piano music at the bar. We followed the recommendations of fellow yelpers and had the corn and crab chowder and calamari appetizer. For dinner, I had a fluke special and my husband had the crabmeat stuffed flounder. Both dishes were flavorful and delicious. We definitely look forward to our next visit!
(5)
Kathy G.
I absolutely love this restaurant! Food is delicious, oysters are fresh and service is terrific. If you are in AC, it's a must!
(5)
Ester A.
Not what I expected. My friend's crab meat dish was great while the raw bar was ehhh...shellfish platter was okay, not top notch. It came with an awkward shrimp dip ? idk but it was strange and not yummy. clams weren't the freshest but not bad. The place is small and when we arrived, it was packed. We had reservations and didn't get seated til 15 minutes later. It seemed like a madhouse, tables pushed so close together, you could barely get to your seat! wayyy to close for comfort. The waiters were like squirming to get to your table, madness. I had high expectations for this place but altogether I was a little disappointed. Too crowded and obnoxious (bus boy poured water on out table: wasn't paying attention) for the space & food wasn't the greatest (I am seafood obsessed). Not bad, but I won't be returning any time soon.. There is a alot better seafood and more comfortable restaurants in A.C.
(3)
Andrea F.
amazing, great service and delicious food!! The cheese pie is amazing..get there now!
(5)
Ronald J.
I'm sorry to have to write this review. Every time my wife and I come down to Atlantic City we have to have dinner at Dock's Oyster Bar. We usually visit Dock's at least three times a year. This year we tried to make a reservation this past Tuesday and Wednesday. Previously someone answered Dock's phone but this time I had to leave a message and was promised a call back. I even left one message asking if we could eat at the bar. I certainly understand if their were no reservations available but what I don't understand is Dock's not returning calls. Their message said they were going to return my call, they just didn't. I know you must be busy, which I am happy for you but Dock's please respect your customer's and do what you promised. Call them back.
(1)
Esther C.
This place is definitely not a 5-star restaurant. The seafood is fresh and the menu has just the right variety of foods. Overall experience was good. I went with 4 other friends and the service was great. The food (I ordered the special scallops served with risotto and a couple appetizers), however, in general, is too salty. Scallops are under-seasoned, even though they are grilled perfectly. Lots of room for improvement.
(3)
David L.
Must have caught them on a bad night...went with a big party...service was DREADFUL!
(1)
Den K.
They were pretty busy so definitely make reservations. Service was good as well. Now the food: Calamari for appetizer - great! I had Wasabi Tuna - it was awesome! Not only that but even all the side items like veggies and potatoes were really good. Wife had the scallops which were also awesome as were all her side items. I can honestly say that was the best tuna I ever had and possibly the best seafood. Definitely going back.
(5)
Tony V.
called and reserved a table for my wifes birthday and preordered our meal/ reservations were for 7 , we arrived about 7;10 as I hit a few more lights on the way and we were told to have a seat at the bar and a table would be ready in a few// So we had a glass of champagne each then we were seated and to my surprise a mountain of oysters and shrimp seviche was waiting for us at the table// First class all the way after that, dinner was great as it always is, we mostly do appetizers, oysters and salads but damn next time it is King Crab as so many times they passed my table and looked incredible/ service was fabulous and a nice happy birthday song and great dessert topped off the eveing!!! Well done!!!!!!
(5)
Rory K.
Excellent place to sit and have a fresh seafood meal. Lovely waitress and attentive staff overall. Reasonably priced.
(5)
Angie F.
mmmmmm........amazing oysters! fresh and flawless. :)
(5)
Ed S.
This is our favorite place to eat. Food is amazing. Drinks are just as good. Small place but the best. PS. You have to have the oysters.
(5)
Natalie B.
Five star experience! Last week my boyfriend and I were searching online for a good place to eat when visiting Atlantic City this weekend. I saw the overwhelming number of 4 and 5 star reviews for Dock's and I was sold. When I went to make the reservation online on Tuesday for Saturday night, it was almost completely booked! The only available slots were 5, 5:15 and 10 PM! So 5:15 it was. Then I used mapquest to locate where it was and fortunately for us it was just up the street from the Trump Plaza where we were staying! So we just walked it took 5 minutes and was very easy to find. We arrived about 10 minutes before our reservation and we got seated right away. Yes, the tables are pretty close to each other but it was not a big deal at all. Our waitress was so nice and polite and knowledgable. Always had a smile on her face, refreshing! Our waters were always full and the food came out perfectly. What we ordered: Oysters Rockefeller: Such a good appetizer. I never had oysters before but these were made very delicious with spinach and melted cheese. It came with 5 so my boyfriend and I split it and it was just enough for us. Pan Seared Red Snapper: WOW this was delicious. I wanted to try something different and this was a great choice! The bernaise and demi glace sauces were so tasty, and there was a good handful of pieces of lump crab meat on top with asparagus and peppers. I ate every last drop! Filet Mignon: My boyfriend ordered the 12 oz filet, which he loved! I had a bite of both the filet and the yukon gold mashed potatos that came on the side and enjoyed it so much I would definitely consider getting it next time. Dessert!!! Banana Caramel Cream Pie: This was a special when we went and ahh it was yummy. My boyfriend and I were so surpsied at the size of our desserts. Big slices!! We definitely could've shared one. Now we know haha. Joe's Cheese Pie: My boyfriend really liked this, I had a bite and it was definitely not a regular cheesecake, it was so light and whipped, very enjoyable to eat. It came with raspberry sorbet which was tart and sweet at the same time, went great with the pie. Overall, for all the food we got the bill came to $90, but it was WELL worth it. The desserts are especially reasonably priced and the portions were very good. I will definitely be coming back in the future! Just be advised, make your reservations asap! (:
(5)
Todd P.
This was a bright spot to an otherwise horrible trip to Atlantic City. We went to AC for a conference in January and the city absolutely depressed and disgusted us. Our hotel was surrounded by pawn shops, liquor stores, and empty lots and we were greeted by a security guard long before we saw any hotel staff. It was so bad that we didn't stay our second night. Dock's however was the one highlight to the trip. It's definitely old school, but I had an awesome clam chowder and huge bone-in rib eye steak, and our service was really good. I would definitely like to go again, though I don't know if I would given how depressing I found AC to be.
(4)
Chris Y.
I went here on Sunday night and the food was truly fantastic. The staff were very attentive and friendly. The ambience is nice as it had some festive deocrations to the place. I had the miso crusted tuna as the main and the chocolate dessert for dinner. Both were excellent. My friend had three oysters and loved each one. She got the salmon special. Prices are ok for seafood and comparable to NYC. I would recommend coming back!
(5)
Jenn D.
Thank you, Yelp. I don't think I will ever go to a "fancy" casino restaurant again when visiting AC, I'll go to Dock's instead. We had pecan-crusted salmon, lamb chops, salmon wellington with lobster beurre blanc, and flounder with crabmeat, as well as a wicked awesome banana carmel pie. Portions are generous, you'll probably be stuffed, and everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. The food is fine dining and the space has a traditional feel, but the vibe is very friendly, genuine and warm, not stuffy. When I made a reservation on OpenTable (you definitely should make reservations), I mentioned we were going for my grandma's birthday in the comments, and with no additional discussion they came out with a candle at dessert and sang to her. Very smooth. :) You just get the sense that the staff loves good food and loves taking care of people, and IMO that's the best kind of place to eat. Prices are "special occasion," yes, but a great value and sky-high quality, especially compared to casino dining. We had dinner and dessert and a bottle of wine for 4, and probably spent the same as 2 people would at a fine dining casino restaurant. I've eaten in a bunch of casino restaurants, trust me, and I can't recommend going a little "off the grid" to Dock's enough!
(5)
Jin S.
My boyfriend took me to Dock's Oyster House and we had such a great time at this place. As soon as we walked into the restaurant, the piano music welcomed us. We were greeted by our server Will, who was very knowledgeable and courteous. Oysters were very fresh and melted in the mouth. The sea scallop entree was particularly amazing. It came with a trio of freshly sauteed spinach, creamy mashed potatoes, and grilled tomatoes. From start to finish, the whole dinning experience was nothing short of spectacular. It truly made our night. I recommend this place.
(5)
Tommy L.
A birthday dinner that didn't disappoint. Started with a few oysters on the half shell that you can pick out (blue points, peacock etc) and they were good and briny. The GF got a oyster stew, which I thought was bland. For our main dish, I got the Fluke. I wasn't familiar with the fish but our server recommended it and he was spot on. The Fluke was stuffed with crab meat and cooked with spinach and other veggies. The dish was well prepared and really good. The GF had the Red Snapper and it was very good as well. To top things off, we had the Banana Caramel Cream pie, a decadent slice of pie. Service was very good and attentive. The only negative, this place gets packed, so the tables are squeezed together. The place is popular, so reservations are a must. A very good option if you want upscale seafood in Atlantic City.
(4)
Allen H.
I tried Dock's for the first time on Resturant week in AC, however on the last day after I was seated with my family I was informed they wasn't participating on that day. Well after that tid bit of info, we decided to continue our dinner there. The Maine clam chowder was ok and the stuffed flounder was about average. The desert " Cheese Pie" was very rich but I've had better. Bottom line is if you want "OK" food for a hefty price, this is the place. If you want more....then keep looking.
(2)
Aman S.
This place was good. I would go again. I just can't remember what I had there.
(4)
Trang N.
So lady luck did not follow me to AC, but the food goddess, Edesia did. With the ringing and dinging of the slots, the cigarettes at the gambling tables, and zombie faces of people trying to test their luck, it's a huge wake up to endure this type of environment. Needing a little fresh air? Wanting to feel like you're in the mafia? Yes, I can definitely relate. The one thing about Atlantic City that people always mistaken it for is that the only thing to it is the boardwalk and the hotels that run along it. But I will beg to differ, located off the boardwalk in the dump town of AC you have an amazing seafood restaurant full of history, passed down and owned by the same family. I've never had so many amazing seafood dishes in my life, and very generous portions. So this is how I roll it when it comes to Docks A) Make reservations (no butts because unless you're a somebody they will have no qualms in turning you away if you don't have a reservation) B) Make sure to pick up all calls that day, because they will call to confirm. So don't be surprise if your reservation went missing because you didn't pickup the phone. I make reservations through open table all the time, and I have one of those smartphones where it will send an email, if for some reason the reservation was canceled. (Happened to me once, and I had to immediately call them to reconfirm) C) Split the crab caesar salad with someone, it is absolutely huge! D) Smile as I eat some of the best seafood. This is where I can say I am full of smiles. Anyone need some? I'm selling them extra cheap.
(5)
Steve S.
Was really looking forward to trying Dock's. While the food was good and fresh, I didn't care for their style of New England Clam Chowder. It was very light with whole clams still in the shell...it wasn't bad, just not quite to my liking - however, our server did explain how it was prepared and served when we ordered. I also didn't care for their steamed clams. They were tiny, and the broth was too sweet - not savory enough. The soft-shell crab entree was very good as were the sides.
(3)
C B.
Eat here!! The food--- everything is amazing... the service is incredible.... The pianist in the front adds a warm touch!! I wish I lived closer... The oysters are some of the best I've had ( ever)!!!! You will not be disappointed !!! I love this place!!
(5)
Andrew S.
Amazing menu, and amazing staff. Our waitress was the friendliest I've ever encountered and her suggestions were flawless. What a wonderful place to bring your significant other!
(5)
Annie N.
The food was amazing! One of the best seafood restaurant in Atlantic city.
(5)
Hens B.
Like other reviewers, we decided on this restaurant based on the stellar reviews here on Yelp, and they are absolutely spot on. This is a bustling place with a long history, a very friendly staff, and of course, excellent food. We had the oyster sampler, the tuna tartare and the sauteed soft shell crabs, plus a side of the puffed fries. Desert was a spectacular cheese pie. Even though we shared everything, we left quite sated. Highly recommended! And yes, absolutely make reservations.
(5)
Jeffrey R.
Always a great meal except on this particular evening, the "aprons" we're not removed from the soft shell crabs (part of the cleaning process). Drinks and value are always excellent. We will return.
(4)
Atiya N.
Sensational! Seafood is so fresh. Fried foods so light, and food is impeccably spiced. Had a delightful meal here. Will be back again!
(5)
Michael E.
Dock's is pricey, no doubt - but don't be scared, it's doable and absolutely 100% worth every penny. I've eaten regularly almost everywhere in Atlantic City (and surrounding area) and can absolutely state with no amount of uncertainty that Dock's is the OVERALL BEST place! Do yourself a favor and get out of your casino and go to Dock's.
(5)
Scott C.
Classic, fresh and really really great. They have a wide variety of fresh oysters. The long island mediums were by far the best. In addition, the appetizer sampler with clams casino, oysters rockefeller and grilled shrimp were a perfect complement to the raw oysters. Entrees were very well balanced in terms of texture and flavor. To top it off, everything came out piping hot. Why would you eat at a casino when there is such good food with great service. If the dinner wasnt enough, the mango and berry pie was a perfect end. Berries were plump and the mangos firm. It couldnt taste any more fresh than this.
(5)
Manny V.
Stopped by the Dock's Oyster House my last trip to Atlantic City. The place has a long history and I heard the food was excellent so my wife and I decided to stop in and give it a try. The food here is EXCELLENT! You will not be sorry! The Oysters themselves (based on the season and what they have in stock) are plump, tender and tasty! I had the Filet Mignon with Golden Mash Potatoes and a side of Lobster Mac & Cheese - that's right I said Lobster Mac & Cheese...and it is to die for! My main entree was cooked perfectly. The Filet was tender and juicy and the brown hollandaise sauce was delicious! The potatoes were very good with a garlic/butter favor to them. The service is top notch and the waiters and staff are extremely friendly, You feel quite at home here in no time. I may have not won the big jackpot at any of the casino's but I felt like a winner at Dock's!
(5)
Sandra F.
Thanks to all the yelpers for helping me pick Dock's as the one nice meal I'd get to eat on my AC vacation - as the other nights of Halloween weekend i spent at Phish at Boardwalk Hall. As first timers in AC the only thing we kept hearing was "dont walk west!" for fear of some kind of Boardwalk Empire crime spree on us. So I will say we were a little apprehensive in our stroll over but once we got there - oh boy! The best thing about this place was the value for what you get. After ordering a humongous three-tiered seafood platter that looks like whats called "the second mortgage" at Joe's stone crab, bouillabaisse dishes and heavy pasta dishes - plus drinks we were quite frightened when the bill arrived. At first we thought they made a mistake it was so reasonable. So if you're in AC, looking for some old school class, a great meal and aren't afraid to walk west - hit up Docks!
(4)
Stephanie P.
I went to Dock's a few weeks ago for my father's birthday with my parents and my girlfriend. My father had chosen the restaurant, and had his heart set on dining here, based off of a suggestion from his brother- a restaurant owner himself. Originally, we had tried to get a reservation for Friday night, before The Who Turns 50 concert at Boardwalk Hall. However, the restaurant was booked until much later (another indicator that our efforts to eat here would pay off), so we decided on an early dinner Saturday at Dock's. Our reservation was for 4:30 PM, but the restaurant doesn't actually open until 5 PM. The staff was very accommodating and assured us that this was not an issue. We were promptly led into the restaurant and offered drinks while we waited for our table. It was not long before we were seated. Our waiter was very friendly and knowledgable about the items on the menu. He offered advice for wine pairings, oyster descriptions, and daily specials. For our first course, we ordered a variety of raw oysters - a few Cape May Salts and Malpaques, steamed clams in a red sauce (another suggestion of my uncle's), and oysters parmigiana. Everything was EXCELLENT! Even the table bread was hard to resist. The oysters were so fresh and flavorful, the steamed clams had the perfect amount of spice, and the oysters parmigiana were moist and tender- executed perfectly for such a unique dish. It's hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to, I would choose the steamed clams. That red sauce was so good, we practically licked the plate clean -luckily, we had managed to resist a few pieces of bread, and used what was left of it to soak up the sauce! It was hard to imagine that the food could get any better after that, but boy was I wrong! For my main dish, I had ordered one of the specials, soft shell crabs. My father had ordered another one of the specials, although I can't remember what it was. My mother had the scallops, and my girlfriend had the crab cakes. I tried everyone's dish, and they were all so delicious, bursting with flavor, and amazingly fresh. While they were all exceptional dishes, I have to say that my soft shell crabs were hands down the best dish of the day! Having grown up around fine dining, I can be a bit critical at times when it comes to food (in the best way possible, of course), so it takes a lot for me to consider a dish perfect. I would not hesitate to say that those crabs were perfect, the BEST soft shell crabs I've EVER had! The service was magnificent throughout our experience. Our meal was pleasantly ended with a birthday desert, complimentary of the kitchen, which we enjoyed with each other and simultaneously with our table neighbors, who were also celebrating a birthday. The chef came out to visit each table and ask about our meals, so I was sure to praise him for the fabulous soft shell crabs, which he was very proud of. Nothing makes a great meal more personal than being able to thank the chef after a fantastic meal. My family and I were very satisfied with our trip to Dock's. The meal itself was a bit pricey, but absolutely worth it considering the extremely fresh and well executed quality of each individual item on the menu. Dock's provided us with great food, excellent service, and an amazing experience. I can't wait for my next visit to Dock's!
(5)
Jeff P.
I have dined at several famous name in casino restaurants. I think Dock's is the best restaurant I have been to in Atlantic City. The dining room is very nice and comfortable. Our waitress, Patty, was very welcoming, knew the menu well and made us feel like special guests, and she never left us waiting for service. There were many seafood choices on the menu that sounded terrific. And the dishes we had, Swordfish special, Flounder Francaise, Flounder with potato crust, and Crab cakes were very enjoyable. The salads and soup were excellent too. The only issue i could mention is that I felt the food could have been served hotter. We did not order dessert as we very too full from the dinners and we were going to a show. We will definitely come back here again.
Went to Dock's as part of a Bday weekend in AC with a few friends. Reservation for 8 was for around 830 because we were such a large party. The place was small-ish, but man! the food! Yes! First, I love love seafood so if you're not into seafood, then I would get the lamb. A couple of friends had the lamb and it was cooked excellently. Second, come hungry, because my eyes were so big I got apps and soup and an entree. Mostly me being a fatty. Apps to get: fried calamari, of course -- raw oysters, yes (if you're into that), fried oyster parma was a special, it was good -- maine clam chowder, delish, I only wish it was thicker and a tad less salty, but I think this was because of the bacon -- fried seafood basket will definitely knock you over, haha, share with a friend. A friend was a vegetarian, but went bc it was my bday -- she said the salad was on point and the fried onion rings delish. Staff was super friendly and service good. No real complaints, will definitely go again.
(4)
Linda H.
The best dinner we had on the Jersey Shore the week we spent there. Bill was a wonderful and helpful server. The food was beyond words. My husband said the asparagus soup was the best he had ever eaten My scallop dinner was perfectly prepared. If in Atlantic City....don't miss this restaurant.
(5)
Jessie V.
Whenever I come to South Jersey (Jersey Shore) I always crave seafood. I wanted the full authentic seafood restaurant experience and what I got was just that. For a Sunday dinner my boyfriend and I got a table right away, seated next to a party of 15 men drinking wine, laughing and yelling across the table in their Jersey accents and loved every minute of it. It seems like normally it would be quite and romantic but this was obviously an exception. We started with drinks; a glass of white wine for me and a Manhattan for the guy and munched on the warm rolls. We only ordered entrees but were fully satisfied with just that. I went back and forth between the flounder with crab meat and the flounder special but I opted for the original. Without over indulging I don't think I've had a better seafood dish. The fish was cooked perfectly and there were actual lumps of sweet crab, bell peppers and mushrooms that melted in my mouth. My boyfriend thoroughly enjoyed his Filet Mignon with vegetables on the side in a savory red wine glaze that was grilled just how he likes it. I don't even like red meat and I enjoyed a few bites.
(5)
Vickie T.
For 8 years, I have passed this place on my way to the outlets and to work, and decided to finally give it a try during restaurant week. The food was great. I even liked the horseradish that they serve with the bread. For the appetizer, I ordered the crab and asparagus soup, which was creamy and full of crab meat. For the entree, I had the crab stuffed flounder. The flounder was slightly dry. I would have been happy with just the crab meat, the sauce, and some privacy to lick the plate clean. For dessert, I chose the key lime pie, which hit the spot. The tart flavor of the pie was refreshing and balanced out the creamy dishes I had ordered. Oh man, I was so uncomfortably full by the end of dinner because I couldn't stop eating! I will definitely return to try other items on the menu, especially the clam chowder and banana cream pie that was frequently mentioned by fellow yelpers.
(4)
Kym B.
The seafood here is amazing! Loved it. Spouse had filet and raved. It was rather crowded and noisy, but the food makes up for that. Simply amazing.
(5)
Deb M.
We were looking for a St. Patrick's Day experience without the loud and drunken crowds and this was the perfect place! Delicious Shrimp Ceviche to start, & a simple but great House Salad. My husband said his Crab stuffed Flounder was a tad bland but the special of Salmon Galway was to die for! We'll definitely be back!
(4)
Sherie Lou S.
EXCELLENT! Came in for a bachelorette party dinner, and had a wonderful experience starting with the hostess, to the food, to the wait staff (AMAZING Wait staff! Thanks to Kim!), to the patrons. Food was ON POINT. Fresh oysters were delicious, fried oysters were spectacular, soft shell crab was DELECTABLE!!! Lobster was fresh and cooked perfectly. Cheese pie was offf the chaaaain. Overall a great experience. I highly suggest it, anad would go back if I make it back to AC.
(4)
Rita M.
On a recent trip to AC, I sought a break from the pricey casino restaurants and wanted seafood. Dock's is tucked away on a less than pretty street but it has a private parking lot so that is an enormous plus. We were warmly greeted upon entering and I was happy to see live piano playing. Nice touch. Our server RJ was very friendly as was the front of house staff. Definitely a much older crowd, which I liked. It showed me that this was probably a place people have visited for years. Pros: the food is definitely tasty. I got an oyster sampler and the scallop entree. The oysters were extremely fresh and the burst of apple cider vinegar enhanced the oceanic flavor. My scallops were plated with cooked spinach (not broccoli rabe) and tomatoes as well as hearty mashed potatoes. They were seasoned and cooked well. The dish was satisfying without being too heavy for a summer evening. Cons: Allegedly they just installed a new phone service. I needed to call Dock's to tell them we were running late and prior to that, I had to confirm my reservation. It was almost impossible to get someone on the phone. I hope their telephone issues are resolved soon because this was a problem. Additionally, the time between each dish was pretty long. We arrived ravenous so waiting 20 min between getting our water and the oysters, then another 20 for the entrees was excruciating. Also, I don't know if those puffed oyster crackers and horseradish on the table are some kind of regional snack, but if not, it seems pretty unsanitary and bizarre. In summary, don't come to Dock's if you are in a hurry. They were pretty busy on a Sunday night and service wasn't exceptional. That said, the food is not too pricey and very well-prepared.
(3)
John S.
Sorry not succinct, but this place perplexes me. My overall feeling was that it was subpar but OTH, it's packed and the people next to us were frequent diners there and love the place. So, I'll chalk it up to a single bad experience but there's no way I'm going back. My wife's oysters, and she's a pro at them, were excellent. She was very pleased and I'd expect that from a place with this name and ratings. Her main of Oysters Rockefeller were just OK, in her opinion. I ordered the Maine Clam Chowder and the Beef and Reef. I couldn't believe their "Maine Clam Chowder" was that crappy. It was so milky and watery with a bunch of opened clams in the middle. There was absolutely no substance to any of it. You could have taken it with a straw if it wasn't for the small pieces of cabbage, or something in it. Terribly diluted. Pass on it. Beef and Reef ($64): the filet was eh, and not great quality. The tail, and my wife and I agreed, was absolutely tasteless (and tough), she thought frozen. The butter didn't even help it. Then, they de-shell it for me but left bits of hard shell for some reason, so my 4th piece, crack, I bite into this small triangular shaped piece of shell and thought my tooth cracked, two bites later, same thing. I gave up and said I was done w/70% of the lobster left. No one asked if there was anything wrong, etc. It all "looked" great but that's all. Michael, our server, was very nice and pleasant.
(2)
Aliyia P.
Went in last night with friends. I didn't eat but did have a bite of the scallop dish with spinach and it was great. What I did have was a great Negroni, the bf had a boulevaider which he enjoyed as well as a spicy tequila drink not on the menu. The bartender was awesome and we closed the restaurant singing with the pianist!
(4)
Diane S.
We lived in Atlantic City for years and never visited Dock's, thinking it was a tourist trap. What we were missing. Went during a convention in AC this summer. The pecan encrusted salmon was to die for. Excellent service and great food. There looked to be a lot of local's eating. It is pricey, but we can't wait to return. Has that Old World feel about it.
(5)
Aleksandra R.
Best lobster tail I've ever had. I had to save some of it to take home just to enjoy it the next day. It really was a feast for the senses I must say. I can understand why the place was so packed the night I decided to go. Nice little place close to the beach. The hostess was polite and found a table in a short period of time. As I said before the place was packed. It was a little too loud where you can't hear the other people you may or may not be with which if you're planning to have a conversation, that's probably not the best place to go. Also the tables are way to close together. I hate eating next to a stranger and feel like I'm in their group. Other than the noise and the tables being too close; everything was super nice. The food was great. I had clam chowder soup and before that the bread with butter was nice. Then for my main course I ordered the Brazilian lobster tail. And needless to say it was tender and delicious. I think they served it with a baked potato and veggies. Best lobster tail I have ever tasted. I finished with dessert which I think it was cheesecake. I will surely return there if I'm in the area.
(5)
Rebecca H.
My husband and I went here to celebrate our anniversary. The hostess was very nice, and wished us a happy anniversary. We were seated a few minutes after our reservation, which was fine. I ordered the key lime pie martini and didn't care for it. My husband ordered the sour apple, and it was OK. We ordered the calamari for starters, and we enjoyed it a lot. The pieces were huge! I ordered the scallops for my entree, and they were absolutely delicious. My husband had flounder topped with crab. We both loved our meals. We also ordered the "mint chocolate ice cream" pie- which was really just ice cream in a pie shell, but still tasty. We thought that it was a fancy place, but it really wasn't. Some people weren't dressed for the place, it seemed! The atmosphere was lively and a bit noisy, but fun. I would recommend it to anyone. Our server was excellent.
(4)
Stephanie F.
This is a fancy schmancy place; it has a no hat policy. :( The food is good, good sized portions. The Maine clam chowder was delicious. I also ordered the seared scallops, which were huge (I could only eat one and a half of the three); I could have had them cooked just a little more. I subbed spinach for the usual broccoli rabe and the spinach needed more seasoning. The dinners do not come with a soup or salad option, so you'll have to spend the extra $8-$12, in addition to the $26-$40 main course, if you want either of those options. I'd like to see the 6.5lb lobster for $98 in person! We were just traveling through the city on business, but I can't say that I'd come back, unless it was for an appetizer or for the raw bar portion. A little too fancy and there are lots more other places in Atlantic City I'd like to try. That being said, this a good place to bring a first date or an anniversary dinner.
(4)
Diana C.
We had a 545 PM reservation on a Friday night. Please note: this restaurant is not on the boardwalk and about a block from the trump plaza. I usually stick with boardwalk restaurants but after trying this one I am definitely going to attempt more restaurants off the boardwalk. We were seated promptly and our server came over immediately after seating. I was shocked how many patrons there were by 545. Throughout our meal- we noticed the restaurant filling up quickly and after eating you can definitely realize why. We ended up splitting blue point oysters, oysters marinara. Wow. The marinara oysters was a special but they definitely should try to add it to te menu. It was delicious! For my meal, I had the recommended wasabi tuna and my boyfriend had the scallops. The wasabi tuna is a great meal- I requested the tuna raw and wow- so delicious. The tuna virtually melted in your mouth. Definitely recommend. All in all, would definitely come back! Great Time, service was fantastic and food was perfect!
(5)
Stuart B.
Very very cold. Even after going out for more to wear we shivered until they reseated us. Once reseated at a cold but liveable table, Amy greated us promptly and explained the specials. We split a special sole over spinich. They served it in two soup bowls. Together with excellent oyster crackers dinner was five stars. They don't permit hats ??????? So I guess observant Muslims and Jews aren't welcome, nevertheless Dock's was full of happy but cold diners.
(3)
Eric H.
I planned on taking babe to Docks as we love oysters. This wasn't this trip so yesterday we didn't have reservations. The wait time we were told was an hour. We actually waited about 30 minutes. Food was well worth the wait. Of course we had oyster appetizer that were banging. Joan our server bumbled our appetizer order but that benefited us cause she didn't take the appetizer back that we didn't order - clams casino!! Also good. Meal was great. Drinks had something to yearn for. Only had one drink as
(4)
Jill L.
YUM! Great clams the half shell -- fresh and briny! The BEST fried oysters. Terrific wait staff -- mike made the meal. This is one you don't want to miss. In business since 1917 and ther
(5)
K G.
Docks is my go-to anytime I visit Atlantic City. As a matter of fact, I would drive from N.Y. to Atlantic City just to eat at Docks. I've never had a bad meal here but the menu items that have stood out are the oyster stew, the seared scallops and of course the raw oysters with my favorites being the Peacocks, and the Cape May Salts. It's is by far the most consistent seafood restaurant I have ever dined in. Amazingly good food every time.
Food is absolutely wonderful. Staff is professional, cheery and helpful. Can be expensive but totally worth it.
(5)
Kimberly T.
There is a reason why this restaurant is ranked one of the best in AC and I fully support this! My experience here was phenomenal. First off the service was great and the food was so flavorful, delicious and so fresh! My boyfriend and I started with two appetizers: steamed clams and oyster marinara special. Both amazing! The steamed clams were so juicy and big and there was a nice kick to them as they marinated in the sauce. Oysters were also great too! It was my first time trying them. For our entrees- I got the fish and crab. My boyfriend got the seared sea scallops. Both were so yummy, I've never tasted anything so good. They definitely know how to do seafood the right way. Words of advice: make a reservation ahead of time. They use open table so definitely take advantage of it! You'll be waiting a long time if you don't. The hostess in the front is great and very accommodating too. She really welcomes you in. One thing I will say that is a negative is the location of this place. It's off the boardwalk on atlantic ave and you can go through some pretty sketchy streets. You better walk fast or take a cab to be safe. I LOVE this place and I will be back for more - It's definitely worth every penny.
(5)
Taylor F.
Took a bride-to-be here for dinner on her bachelorette weekend. We had a party of 8 and made a reservation for Friday night at 8pm. We weren't seated until closer to 9pm and the hostess seemed frazzled to say the least. Never a good start to get behind on reservations.The place was packed and there wasn't even enough room to stand inside and enjoy the air conditioning. It was a hot August night and you were forced to sweat it out on the sidewalk out front. We had an awesome waitress. Very attentive and she didn't seem to mind that we constantly had her running to the bar for our drinks. Also handled it rather well that the bride was being rude to her about her food. The martinis were excellent and they had a nice sweet white wine, although the name has escaped me. For dinner I ordered the Flounder and Crab Meat for $29.00. Which was baked flounder stuffed with crab meat served with a creamy sauce of tomatoes, mushrooms and paired with asparagus. Sadly It's not the best seafood I've had in AC but it was far from the worst. I did have amazing soup (the special of the day)!! But in hindsight I'm not sure why I ordered soup in August must have been the martinis doing the ordering. 2 stars for making us wait. 4.5 stars for service. 4 stars for the food. Overall it was an okay experience.
(3)
Sheena N.
Banana cream pie. It is the best I've ever had or hope to have! Seriously...When I eat this stuff its like you're taken to heaven and you feel like you have to savor every single morsel because there is only so much you can eat. It's velvety without being watery or goopy. It's luscious, refreshing, and not too sweet. This sounds crazy but I would come back to Atlantic City from SF just so I can come to Dock 's for this stiff. It is That good.
We went to Docks based upon a local bartenders recommendation and had a great dining experience. Appetizer medley, crab caesar salad, potato crusted flounder, pecan crusted salmon, chocolate bday cake, magic hat no.9 on draft, great food, service and ambiance...has to be one of the best restaurants in AC.
(5)
Colleen M.
AMAZING!!!!! Tonight is my first time in Atlantic city and this place is absolutely incredible. My boyfriend and I are from New York and both huge foodies, this place did not disappoint. I love New England style clam chowder and their Maine chowder was the best I have ever had. We literally cleaned all of our plates!!! I wish I could post a picture of our food but we ate it so quickly that there was nothing to photograph!! Service was great and food was just as amazing. Bartender was great and made excellent cocktails as well. I believe his name was Dimitri... Best cocktails that we have had throughout our entire stay here. He also suggested almost all of the food that we ordered which was incredible. All around great experience and can't wait to come back.
(5)
Jenny F.
Absolutely amazing all around. The staff was extremely helpful and attentive. We had the steak and salmon which were both excellent. The portions are huge but not lacking in quality or taste. If you are in the area you must go! They even accommodated us without a reservation!
(5)
Abel V.
This place is as good as it gets! Great service! Phenomenal food and great ambiance! A little tight in some tables but everything else makes up for it. The dishes were phenomenal, fresh and right on point! We had the Appetizer Medley and it was delicious! For our main dishes we had the pan sauteed red snapper & the flounder and crab meat. Both dishes were prepared to perfection! Will make it a point to hit this spot if I'm in the area. I suggest making reservations as this place is packed all the time!
(5)
Mary Ann Keogh K.
An awesome start to an Atlantic city getaway The scallops were wonderful crispy seared to perfection. The halibut with crab and wine sauce was out of this world. We started with the oysters marinara which were the largest most delicious oysters we have ever tasted. The banana cream pie was a perfect ending to a great meal
(5)
Alex K.
Amazing service, great cocktails, the homemade deserts are amazing. Oh...yeah..the food...excellent!
(5)
Shulin T.
Atrocious oyster stew! It was blend and diluted with a stingy amount of oysters. Go somewhere else.
The best seafood in A.C. We have never been disappointed and every meal has been over the top. Service is friendly and attentive. Don't leave without trying one of the in house desserts.
Stayed in AC for our anniversary weekend and decided to have our anniversary dinner at Dock's because of the great reviews. Plus, we were craving seafood! We had a reservation for 6:15 and we were there and seated on the dot. Gary was incredibly pleasant and helpful when he greeted us, talked about the specials, and answered any questions. I was torn between the crab cake, seared scallops, and baked stuffed (with crab) flounder. We started with their soup special, a crab corn chowder which was amazing. Gary asked us if we'd like to split it into two separate bowls without us even asking - and good thing we did! It was plenty for an appetizer and delicious. My boyfriend wanted tuna tartar and although I'm not a fan of the texture, it was pretty good. It was larger than expected but he finished it. I ended up getting the stuffed flounder which was pretty good. The crab was great as was the sauce and asparagus, but I felt the flounder was a little dry. Perhaps I wasn't generous enough with the sauce. My boyfriend got the scallops and they were served on a bed of spinach that day as well as mashed potatoes. I should have gotten that because I stole two and they were amazing! Gary was incredibly fun and thoughtful. I would definitely recommend stopping by. It looks incredibly classy but everyone is very friendly and casual. There's also free valet. Edit: I forgot to add that we also had calamari since we get calamari every time whenever it's available. It was the best calamari I've ever had - the breading was light and not at all greasy. The calamari itself was just the right texture and was very fresh!
(5)
Chris A.
I love this place. I will not visit New Jersey unless I know that Dock's is on the agenda. I've eaten here at least thirty times in the last ten years, and have always been delighted with everything that I've ordered. Spectacular service, the staff is tip top. The lovely German lady that plays the piano, next to the bar, is a sweetheart and plays the songs that make my heart sing. I cannot wait to travel 110 miles, by car, just to eat here. A great start, middle, and end to a weekend retreat in New Jersey.
(5)
Rhino V.
Excellent. Great Service & food.
(5)
Rushan S.
When hitting a casino town, one should avoid the hotel restaurants and utilize good ol Yelp for better suggestions. After some research, we settled on this famous establishment, which opened its doors in 1897. Here, we celebrated our elder daughter's 21st birthday. She had her drivers license in handy to show off her legal drinking age (gulp!). Dock's has high professional standards. Each employee was courteous and prompt. Food was well cooked. We all enjoyed our respective dishes. I wouldn't rave about their food, but it is a solid choice if one were to come to AC and have seafood. If ordering drinks and desserts as well, prices should between 60 to 80 per person (including tip and tax) Service 5 stars Food 4 stars Ambiance 4 stars, tables were too close to each other .. lots of history here... steakhouse feel
(4)
William F.
Now this is an amazing restaurant. This place reminded me of how atlantic city probably used to be in the '20s. Nice classy piano playing in the front. Candlelit, romantic, intimate setting. The oysters were as good as you'll ever find. The grilled salmon with risotto was prefect. So much flavor! The grilled shrimp also so great. But, get the lobster. Honestly, I don't think you can be disappointed at this place. You pay for what you get. Indulge.
(5)
Veronica C.
There are very few times that you visit a restaurant and EVERYTHING is PERFECT!! From our appetizers (I highly recommend the calamari and oysters), main entree (wasabi tuna raw!!) to the dessert at the end, it was fresh, made to order and just melted in your mouth! Our waiter Will was a wonderful addition to the evening. He took the time to give recommendations and make my mother feel special for her birthday. I will be returning to Docs the next time I am in Atlantic City! Thank you!!
(5)
Sakinah T.
So the Honey and I escape for the weekend. He mentions he wanted to take me here a few months back but we never made it out here. We take the walk and with no reservations we want dinner for two. The wait was about an hour but it was worth it. Our waitress Joan was super cute. She was helpful and checked in very often. All the food was delicious. Looking for that oyster high I had in New Orleans and this place came close. Visit AC, you must goto Docks. The entire menu is awesome. Can't wait to return. Check out my pics!
(4)
Lucy B.
The most delicious!! The oysters were amazing. The Maine clam chowder was the best I've ever had! The calamari was perfect! Soft shell crab was delicious! The most delicious dessert ever was the banana caramel cream pie! The cheese pie was also stellar! Great service! Really one of the best dinning experiences overall!
(5)
Alex R.
Came here for dinner and we started with the fried calamari which was cooked well. Also had crab soup which I was happy with the freshness and flavor but shouldn't have contained so many shells, whoever fabricated the crabs didn't seem like they cared. Also I decided to go with the filet, which I regret. The piece of meat was extremely dry in the medium rare state. Also the baked potatoe was so overcooked that it was dry also.
(2)
Carolina R.
Had a fantastic dining experience here. Probably the best I have had in months. Docks is a really nice restaurant. Not very big but very charming. The restaurant has been operating for over 100 years. You can tell there are some original materials still like the floors by the bar are very old. The restaurant gets crowded so make a reservation and be ready to wait a few minutes even then. We were seated 20 minutes after our reservation so we got drinks at the bar. The martinis are amazing! We had the cucumber martini, which I recommend but they also had other interesting choices like toasted almond, or pear. The wines by the glass are good too, and not at all expensive $8-10 a glass. We tried a South African Sauvignon Blanc and the Pinot Grigio. Both the food and service were top notch. The menu is not too lengthy but everything looks good. They also have rotating specials. We started off with some raw oysters (super fresh and delicious!) and the shrimp ceviche which we both really liked. Then, we shared a crab and corn chowder which was on special. Very tasty, not heavy. After that we split the beet salad (with pistachios, greens, goat cheese and light dressing). Finally we shared the flounder with crab meat. It came in a cream sauce that was fairly thick and delicious with tomatoes that added a tangy flavor. The fish was perfectly cooked and the crab meat was fresh. We couldn't finish the fish so we took it home. Following the advice of other yelpers, we ordered the banana cream pie to go. The pie was really good except for the banana pieces in it. I'm a texture person so I wasn't crazy about that in the pudding. The flavors were amazing though including the crust and the cream on top. Our bill came out to about $100. Not bad for all we ate and especially not bad for the quality of the food. I cannot recommend this place enough. I am pretty sure they make the oyster crackers in house.
(5)
Joey R.
Had lobster, steak topped with imperial crab, salad, and soup. Everything with beyond delicious, well-plated, and exactly what you'd expect from somewhere as legendary as this place. The outside is a little bit shaky (located in a bad neighborhood) but the inside is lavish, clean, warm, and inviting. Perfect location for a special occasion or if you are trying to impress. Come here for quality food worth every penny of the price.
(5)
Shawn P.
Dock's gives you a feeling of being in AC back in the 1920's. The restaurant has been in the family for a long, long time. In addition to the atmosphere, Dock's serves up top notch fresh seafood of all kinds. Every dish I've tried has been excellent. The place is always busy but the service never lacks. My wife and I make sure to get there at least once a summer. One of my favorites.
(5)
Kristina G.
Happy that we found Dock's through Yelp. Dinner lived up to each of the outstanding reviews this restaurant has. Friendly, prompt service, delicious fresh seafood and a really great selection of dishes on the menu. We started off with the oyster sampler, all of which were great. The appetizer medley is perfect for tasting a few different types of seafood. The entrees we ordered (crab stuffed flounder, a salmon & risotto special) were both fresh, flavorful and very filling. On a Tuesday night this place was pretty packed so making a reservation was ideal. Don't forget to end dinner with the banana cream pie, it really is outstanding.
(5)
Franchesca G.
I actually yelped this place before reserving and all the other reviews were pretty accurate. I took my boyfriend here for his birthday since is pretty close from where we stayed (caesar's). It is a couple of blocks away so we walked. Our waitress was so sweet even though we got there 10 mins before the kitchen closes. We ordered the seafood sample for the appetizer it was delicious. I ordered the steak with mashed potatoes and onion rings on top, my boyfriend ordered the scallops with spinach and tomatoes. Everything was delicious! I also requested on my reservation to make my bf feel special since it was his birthday and they gave us a delicious banana pudding cake with a candle. He loved it! Awesome time! I will definitely be back next time I go to AC!
(5)
Scott J.
If you go to Atlantic City and don't eat at Dock's you should be arrested. Four years ago we decided to go with all of the positive reviews and check it out....and we go back EVERY time we make a return trip to Atlantic City. Dock's has been there forever and ultimately is a family owned business. You will see the same servers there year in and year out. You'll be greeted by a welcoming piano next to the bar, and lots of smiling faces glad that you are there to see them. The menu doesn't really change because...well...it doesn't have to! Everything we've eaten there has been spot on delicious. From the assortment of fresh catch raw oysters to the ceviche, from the crab cakes to the soft shell crab, from the swordfish special to the salmon special...literally everything has been outstanding. I've learned that my personal favorite thing is to go with one of the chef's specials...I've done it 3 times in a row and have not been disappointed in the least. The meal is perfectly timed, the setting is a bit close knit but expected, and the drinks are made with care. They always have a wonderful selection of infused martinis, they know how to make a proper stiff manhattan up, and have an excellent wine list. Yes it is "off the boardwalk" but it is just 2 blocks back and in what I feel is a safe area. We did walk there once and found it a bit much (mainly due to the heat of the summer) and now take a cab which should cost you less than $10 from any of the main casinos on the Boardwalk (Resorts to Chelsea) You cannot go wrong here and I highly recommend a visit to Dock's....oh, and definitely get reservations in advance, they fill up even on the weeknights.
The service is very good. The waiter didn't push you to order a lot. The Alaska king crab leg is very good, fresh and giant. As big as my arm, not exaggerated.
(5)
Larry M.
Took the family here Friday night. Fantastic place! Clearly old school establishment with professional waitstaff. Ordered Calamari, Oysters Rockefeller and beet salad for appetizer. Crab cakes, crab augratin, flounder stuffed with crab meat and pecan crusted salmon for main course. Topped it all off with a couple of shared desserts. Each and every dish was absolutely delicious and perfectly prepared. While the tables are close together and the place is noisy, it doesn't detract one bit from a great experience. Not the place to go for a quiet, romantic dinner but do go for a celebration or just to have a great dinner.
(5)
Reo T.
My wife and I went here for our anniversary dinner. It was very crowded as it was a Friday night. But amazingly we only waited about 10minutes to get seated. First, the table we sat at was very unstable. I asked the waitress and she asked the bus boy (old guy) and he came over and just said scoot over since the floor is unbalanced. Ok......now I'm bumping into the customers behind us. Had to work our ways to stable the table. We started off with the seafood platter which was two story stacked. Lobster, crab meat, ceviche and oysters were decent. But the clams' were too salty. I'm used to eating clams and oysters but this one was prepped very well. The oysters also had too shells in them visibly and non. Before our main dish, the bus boy came by to ask if we were done. we were not and he moved away. He came back 10minutes later to ask and I asked him back is our main dish ready? He said no and started to take our dish away. I repeatedly asked them is there a rush? He said no. He just want's to take the plate away. Without us telling him or asking, he just took off the martini glass with ceviche in it and took the tower away. Unprofessional. Our main dish was the steak of 26/oz which was decent. Cooked very well and very juicy. Waitress was very professional and nice. She tried hard to make the visit pleasant. Negative service was the bus boy and front attendee. As I wanted to make it a special night for our anniversary, I mentioned them before seating and going to the bathroom before our check. No words or dessert was offered. Hope they get better in service.
(2)
Victor H.
The food was excellent minus the Maine clan chowder, which was extremely watery and bland. However, I got the reef and lobster. Absolutely delicious. My wife had 3 toasted almond martinis that she said were to die for! She ordered the fried shrimp, which were huge and were delicious. Only complaint was they were very salty. I had reservations, but they were seating people that had reservations before however showed up a half hour late, which was frustrating. The wait was only about 20 min past our reservation time. Be prepared to bring ear plugs. It is very loud and close quarters, which we eventually got used too. The waiter was very polite and knew the menu.
(4)
Chris W.
One of the best seafood restaurants that I have been to. Everything we had was delicious and our waiter, Dennis, was just great. He managed to anticipate our needs and wants before we even opened our mouths. We started with the jumbo shrimp cocktail and Manhattan clam chowder, followed by soft shell crabs and salmon on risotto. For dessert we shared the chocolate cake. Everything was so tasty and cooked to perfection.
(5)
Natalie T.
My Husband & I had dinner here on our 1st Wedding Anniversary in May 2014. Everything we ordered was simply amazing! You really can't go wrong with anything on their menu. The service was very friendly & patient. Dock's will be a staple on every visit to AC!!
(5)
Brittany R.
Unbelievable lobster! I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and Doc's exceeding our expectations. We were able to get a last minute reservation on a busy Friday night. The atmosphere is amazing (with a live piano player at the bar) although a bit small (which is expected for such a dated restaurant). The food was delicious. We got the oyster sampler for 2 as an appetizer and a 2 1/4 lb. lobster each which were both cooked to perfection! For all of that amazing seafood and 2 drinks the price wasn't too bad! I will definitely be coming back! My only complaint is that I requested they bring out dessert for my boyfriend and they never did, although I know they received the request because they knew it was his birthday (I informed them when I booked through Open Table).
(5)
Honey J.
OMG. Where do I even begin? This place knows exactly what they're doing when it comes to food, and their servers? Top notch. Beautiful ambiance. An absolute gem of Atlantic City. I'm totally speechless. We were lucky to enjoy our experience with a server named Taj. He made everything infinitely better (professional, quick, and just amazing).
(5)
Dan M.
We took a large group to Dock's. Because this place is so small, a large group is difficult here. The seating is tight everywhere. But that has something to do with the fact that they have been in the same location, an older building for a very long time. The food was excellent and the staff was very good. You just have to be ready to have your dinner with the folks sitting next to you..
(4)
Erikka O.
Over all atmosphere and food was excellent. One very disappointing thing was that our dinner came out before our appetizers and we were told "your waiter put a rush on your dinner" - fast forward when they brought our appetizer over halfway through our meal. In my opinion it should have been comp'd and it was not. I am still giving this four stars because my scallop special and my boyfriends flounder francese was excellent. The bartender was wonderful and the piano player was lovely. I would just say the experience was a bit rushed and the customer service could have been better. This might be something to address with the staff.
(4)
Brenda L.
It is my boyfriend and my first time here. We ordered the sampler for two, cowboy steak, and the flounder with crabmeat. The steak is so tender and delicious. I don't have anything to say except that everything was excellent. Our sever was polite as well as helpful. I would definitely come back here!
(5)
Foodie S.
I went to Dock's Oyster house on a recent trip to Atlantic City and the food was very good. The shellfish sampler is very fresh. All the seafood entrees sound delish, we went with the scallops and the surf and turf. Again, very fresh seafood that had a lot of flavor but the filet was average. The night we were there, they had a special; a whole Alaskan King Crab that was flown in the night before. It served 6 to 8 people and I believe the cost was $450-$500. There was only one available and the table next to us ordered it. It looked so meaty when it came out. If was the entire crab; I've never seen anything like that before. The table said that it was the best seafood dish they ever had. If given the opportunity again; I would definitely go for it.
(4)
Samantha D.
Good food and service, nothing spectacular. When we arrived for our 5:45 reservation, the hostess was taking several calls for reservations and we waited for several minutes (held with a finger by the hostess).... Which is fine, she just seemed a bit uninterested. Our server, Will, was congenial and provided good recommendations (ie wine). However, it took too long to get drink refills, and water wasn't refilled for a good 30 minutes until I requested it, then took at least another 5-10 minutes. My husband and I shared the fried calamari appetizer. It was lightly fried and was accompanied by a lovely sauce. My crab and corn bisque topped with a jalepeno cream was the stand out. Large chunks of crab and whole kernels of corn. The spiciness of the jalepeno cream was perfect and appreciated. My husband also enjoyed his salad (on the list of specials), and the pecan crusted salmon. He said the horseradish cream on top definitely added to the dish. I had the lamb for dinner. It was tasty, as was the mashed potatoes underneath. The topping of fried beets was interesting and tasty (though a bit salty). The dish was good, well cooked... Just not "different" or "new." For dessert we shared a slice of banana cream pie. Huge slice, topped with a chocolate fork. Very good, had to box up half as we were so full. All in all I would recommend Dock's and I would go back. Food was well cooked and exactly what was expected, just nothing very innovative - though the restaurant is not touted as such.
(4)
Jocy C.
Dock's Oyster House in Atlantic City is a treat!! Freshest seafood around. Raw Bar 1) Top Neck Clams - learned that Top Neck and Little Neck are the same species of clams; however the Top Necks are much bigger; in this case - bigger is better yelp.com/biz_photos/dock… 2) Malpeque Oysters from Prince Edward Island - YUM! yelp.com/biz_photos/dock… Soup 1) Maine Clam Chowder - Dock's interpretation of New England Clam Chowder. Boy, was this the BEST chowder I've ever had. The bowl was FULL of CLAMs. Furthermore, the broth did not have a thick consistency. Sophisticated! Love it. yelp.com/biz_photos/dock… Entree 1) Lobster - 4.25 lbs - The bf loves to live large. Their lobsters are sized from 2 lbs up through 6.5 lbs depending on the season. The largest lobster at the time was 4.25 lbs, and it was enough. One of the claws was at least half the size of the bf's head. We ended up bring some leftover back for a midnight snack. Split into 2 plates for sharing: Plate #1 - yelp.com/biz_photos/dock… Plate #2 - yelp.com/biz_photos/dock… Service was perfect. ENJOY!!
(5)
Amelia Z.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlantic City. Went there Friday, February 13th for Valentine's Day dinner and yet again, it did not disappoint! We had the rack of lamb and a whole lobster. Since I was all dressed up, I had them remove the meat for me. Love the fact that they give you 2 sides with your lobster automatically. I hate it when they charge you an additional $8 because you want mashed potatoes on the side! And the lamb was superb! It's pricey, but it's wonderful when you walk out of a restaurant feeling like it was worth every penny. The only down side is it is a small dining room and the tables are very close together. And ladies be careful, the hard wood floors are alittle slippery. The bathroom is also located upstairs, and there is a coat check.
(5)
Anita O.
This place is our MUST GO TO restaurant when we visit AC. The quality and price are perfect! We always order an array of appetizers (my favorites are the oysters and chilled lobster), and I order the crab sautee and my husband orders the scallops. You get such a filling amount of delicious seafood-- you couldn't have a better seafood meal! Service is inconsistent (this is not NYC, people!) but the servers are very friendly. Love love love this place and would recommend it to everyone!
(5)
Anna Y.
wow! we came here 5 minutes before 5:00pm, the door were open yet but already a few tables waiting, I thought to myself could it be that good ? It is really good ! we ordered chilled shellfish sampler for 2, Maine clam chowder, corn and crab soup of the day, oyster marinara, Scallops with parm risotto and lobster sauce special and Flounder topped with crab meat. Chilled shellfish sampler for 2- it came with raw oysters,shrimp, clams, lobster, crab meat, mussel and shrimp ceviche. The shrimp ceviche had big chucks of avocado and shrimps, I'm not a fan of avocado but did enjoy the shrimp. Everything else on the platter was really fresh and tasty, I only had the shrimp, crab meat and lobster because I don't like the fishy taste of raw oyster and mussel. Maine clam Chowder- clams were tasty , the chowder had a strong creamy taste. It was good but not as good as the corn and crab. corn and crab - this was their soup of the day , it was really good ! thick and creamy, I really liked the sweetness of the corn. Oyster marinara - I never eat oyster ! Raw or Cooked. I just can't stand the fishiness. But I had two of the oyster marinara ! the oyster are fried and then baked in the oven with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. should definitely give a try! Scallops with parm risotto and lobster sauce special - this wasn't on the menu and it wasn't there special of the day . we saw the picture on yelp and showed it to our waiter and he was so nice and told us he would ask the kitchen to make it for us. Till this point we were already so full, but I did get a taste of it , the scallops were good . Flounder topped with crab meat - I enjoyed the crab meat more than the flounder. The flounder it self was kinda so so, you have to eat it with the sauce on the bottom. But the crab meat was tasty on its self. The service was really good ! Had a really nice time !
(5)
Darnisha Y.
Went here for New Year's Eve and had an excellent experience! The calamari was the best I've ever had. My waiter Taz was great, I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Joseph G.
Excellent food. Service was fast and friendly. Breath of fresh air in Atlantic City. Have been coming here for years and will continue to do so. Recommended.
(5)
Steve B.
I'll spare the details and get to the heart of the matter: This is easily one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. Best seafood and oysters I've ever had. Get here now!
(5)
Scott J.
I went to this restaurant with my significant other and we had the most wonderful night in AC. The hostess warm-welcomed us and took us to a cozy table for two.the name of our waiter is Dennis, he is polite and very professional. He kept his eyes on us for the whole time and we didnt need to ask for anything (eg. Refill the water). Food came with huge portion. We ordered the seafood tower. Oyster was tasty. The only problem is the mussel, which was very dry and seemed not so fresh. We ordered one crispy wasabi tuna to share. The service was so detailed that they separated one entree into two small plates for us. We would like to thank Dennis for his excellent service :)
(5)
Michael P.
Had dinner at Dock's while in town for a conference. Stopped in our first day and tried to get a table without a reservation, no dice, which we expected. So we made a reservation for the following evening. The atmosphere here is laid back but not really the shorts/sandals/t-shirt sort of laid back, which was nice. Appetizer platter for two was fantastic with two tiers of various seafood. Entrees were prepared to perfection and overall the food was fantastic. The only thing I can say that detracted from our visit at all was the service was a bit slow. Not a big deal as we were in no hurry but if you're expecting your server to check on you every couple minutes, you may be disappointed. If you're in the area, I would highly recommend Dock's if you want fantastic food in a mature, relaxing atmosphere.
(4)
Kelsey B.
Dock's is amazing. The wait staff is fun and chatty and the ambiance is vintage and classy, dress "nice-casual" Food amazing! The oyster sample is a great deal and a great way to try different oysters from all over. The calamari is really good if you like a lot of batter. It reminded me of an onion ring batter with calamari inside. Not my favorite but that's just personal preference. The main courses were amazing. We had the scallops which were cooked perfectly and came with an amazing risotto. We had the lobster as well. They deconstructed the lobster for me so I didn't have to break it apart. All in all very very good place to eat and close to all the casinos in that area (closest to Trump) we will definitely be eating here again!
(4)
Douglas K.
You will not regret coming here. First off, there's valet parking so don't worry about finding street parking. You walk in and you'll be greeted by a very friendly staff. We started off with a dozen oysters and the tuna tarter. The oysters were unbelievably fresh and the tuna tartar was dressed perfectly. It was a perfect way to begin the meal. Next we had the flounder with crab meat and the special of the day, the soft shell crab. Both dishes were delicious and we both stuffed by the end of the meal. The serve was great, the food was amazing, and I would go back in a heartbeat. It's a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or just go for an amazing evening. The check including 2 beers came out to about $140, but it was well worth it. I definitely recommend for a date, special occasion, or just something different from the other typical places in eat in AC. Note that it can get pretty loud as it's always crowded.
(5)
Michael P.
We went on a Sunday night in the winter and everything about the restaurant was awesome. We sat at the bar and had the seafood tower, which is probably the best tower I've ever had and on top of that the most reasonably priced. Live piano player at the bar as well. After apps and a few drinks we moved to a table for entrees. We would have preferred to eat at the bar but they don't serve entrees at the bar. I had the cowboy steak which was huge and cooked tender. Probably not the most typical selection at a seafood spot but it was great. So if you want excellent good at a good price and NOT the Star and Garces restaurants that you can get in Philly this place is a great option.
(5)
Andrea B.
You would be hard pressed to find a better restaurant in NJ. Period. The service is over the top excellent, the food was wonderful. Asparagus soup with crab.... I had the lobster, my husband had the Seafood platter. You must try the french fries. The bartender recommended Apple Valley Bourbon Barrel beer and I loved it more than my husband... trying to find it in Jersey. It was our anniversary and it was a great all-round experience. Now we are torn bt Chef Vola's and Docks for our anniversary...
(5)
Lauren M.
The food was amazing! Read up on the history before you'll go and the small crowded atmosphere may seem a little more quaint. The bill will be high so just beware! Great for an anniversary or birthday stop. Our bill for just the 2 of us was $132.
(5)
Eman E.
Bad service, very noisy. We reserved ahead of time. And we waited for almost an hour for our table. And at the end they gave us a bad table. No apology and not even a smile. I never coming here again.
(1)
Robert B.
Thanks Yelp! We went here solely based on Yelp reviews and they were right. I loved this place. It's like a small version of DCs Old Ebbitt Grill. Classic old school setting. The staff could not be better. Everyone here seems happy, just great atmosphere! Oyster & clams were spectacular. I had a great salad special w/ a nice light fresh dressing and citrus. I was planning on seafood but as we walked to our table I saw someone getting the rack of lamb... it looked incredible. I knew what I was having before I looked at the menu! The menu did make it difficult to commit though. It is a creative mix of old and new. Nice selections! I stuck with the lamb and I'm glad I did! Side of mash and fried beets were perfect sides. My friend ended up getting the wrong fish special. He was enjoying it so much that we didn't notice until our neighbors received what he was supposed to get. He really didn't mind but our waitress insisted on providing a complimentary dessert... cheesecake, raspberry sorbet, whipped cream on a chocolate wafer. I'm not a dessert guy... but wow! It's not inexpensive but it's worth every penny! 9/11/2014 - Lived up too the memories- another fantastic meal. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!
(5)
Thuy and Phyoe O.
We found out about this place on yelp and since we were not very comfortable with trying Casinos' Buffets, we decided to give it a shot. Well it was one of the right decision we've ever made. Food was quite nice. My wife tried crab and corn chowder soup and Flounder with crabs entree daily special and I had their fried Oysters appetizer special and Tuna steak entree. All I can say is it reminds me of those Iron Chef shows from the food network. Fried Oyster has very delicate taste and I didn't know Tuna could be this delicious. But here are the cons, minus one star for service. I wish the waiter would speak a little bit slower so we could understand all the specials. And the bus boy asked us whether we were done even though he could see clearly that our plates were only half way through. The lady sitting next to us mentioned that this place is known for pushing customers out if they get busy. Anyhow, we spent around 100$ for sea food dinner for two and it was quite reasonable for the quality, atmosphere, taste and the size of the food we had and it was enjoyable.
(4)
Dana B.
This place has been around a while therefore their experience and attention to detail show as a result. It's a classy little spot with a lot of old school charm. Men in their blazers, ladies on their arms with martinis, pianist at the bar, and bartenders that stick to the basics and nail the classic cocktails. Very nice impression from the door. Dinner began with the oyster sampler. If you know what you like you can pick from a dozen or so varieties. I wasn't so sure so I had the chef choose. He provided a wonderful assortment from shorelines along the east coast. Each varied slightly in flavor and size and all were incredibly fresh. The fried calamari are probably the best I've ever had and believe me, I've had many! Must try the pomme souffle...a fancy and strategically prepared french fry. Dinner was broiled swordfish and jumbo shrimp over tomato risotto; a special that night. Risotto was perfectly cooked and creamy. Definitely prepared with a seafood stock....delicate and very flavorful. The swordfish was generously portioned and though cooked through, wasn't dried out. My husband had the flounder and crabmeat finished with a sweet cream sauce and asparagus. Both were absolutely delicious! Service by both our waiter and assistant were overall spot on. Our waiter knew what wine worked with my dinner and made a great recommendation. (He redeemed himself with the wine selection after he forgot to bring the hot sauce we asked for) Don't be intimidated by some of the prices on the menu....you clearly get everything you pay for and more. I've heard many of the diners on the weekends are regulars so be sure to make reservations.
(4)
Vivi P.
I'm a huge fan of oysters and seafood, so I expected a lot about this place. Oysters and seafood are fresh, I also enjoyed the chilled shellfish sampler for 2. But, the highlight of the night probably was a banana cream pie! It's simply delicious! Overall, good food and service. Prices are above average but it's understandable because my dinner was in Atlantic City surrounding by casinos and gamblers.
(3)
John B.
We ate there on a Tuesday night with reservations and were seated within a few minutes. They tried their best to space out the patrons given the tight seating. The servers were quick and attentive but unfortunately the kitchen was very slow. 15-20 minutes for a dozen raw oysters seemed excessive. We had crabmeat au Gratin and stuffed flounder both of which were excellent. The noise level in the restaurant was extreme and we weren't able to talk to each other except by shouting and further raising the noise level. Slow kitchen and excessive noise made this a poor choice.
(3)
Gabby P.
Looking for an amazing dining experience? Well, look no further than Dock's. Known for it's delicious fresh seafood, it's definitely the place to visit when in the area. Our server was amazing...he knew the menu inside and out and made suggestions about wine pairings, good apps, etc. The raw bar is amazing...everything is fresh, fresh ,fresh. The shrimp cocktail, ceviche and chowder were off the hook. My husband had the ahi tuna entree and I had the seared scallops...both were exceptional. I can't say enough about Dock's; it's certainly an amazing experience and I can't wait to go there again!
(5)
cheryl d.
I don't know what's taken me so long to write a review about this amazing place?! My husband and I dined here while he was in AC for business. WOW!! This was one of the BEST meals we have ever had at a restaurant! The only one that was slightly better than this is when we dined at an Emeril Lagasse restaurant! The bartender was wonderful, the hostess, our waitress....everyone was so nice! We didn't know you needed reservations but they managed to fit us in. And we are SO very grateful they did!! We will be heading back here in a few weeks again and I cannot wait!! Don't miss this place on your next trip to Atlantic City!!!
(5)
Fiona C.
3.5 stars - We were seated promptly for our 9:30pm reservations. The place was packed and learning about how old this establishment was made us even more excited to try this place. Service staff was attentive and pleasant. The bread and the oyster crackers were a little too hard. We had ordered oysters - blue points (tasty, refreshing), long island medium (tasted kind of neutral, didn't really have a special taste to it); malpaque - some of the oysters were kind of sandy. We also ordered the fish special (delicious, absolutely love the champagne leek sauce), soft shell crab (pretty large crab, well-seasoned), and I got the crab cakes -- which I felt like should've been amazing, but it was not. It was tasty but I did not enjoy biting into bits of cartilage. Not a bad find in AC =]
(3)
April B.
First time here and stumbled upon it for restaurants week (lucky for us) and we were pleasantly surprised. Nice ambience and a solid wine list. Here are the stand outs..asparagus and crab soup..delicious...oysters which our waiter Will who was fantastic, picked for us..phenomenal. Stuffed flounder was good but bland. Hubby ordered the crab cakes which had lots of shells in them. The cheese pie OMG so good with fresh whip cream. We will be back to try other things on the menu.oh by the way, not overpriced either
(4)
Chris F.
I was in AC this past weekend for a bachelor party and we decided to make a reservation at Dock's via open table. When we got there we were told that our reservation was for the following night because Dock's doesn't do same-day reservations on open table. The 9 of us awkwardly stood outside attempting to figure out where we were going to go when the hostess (maybe owner?) walked outside and said that they could make room for us. The place was slammed and they were gracious enough to not only try and make room but be able to seat us within 30 minutes. It only got better from there. The food was incredible from start to finish and the service was great. I was very impressed at how fast they were able to push food out of the kitchen given how busy it was. Next time I'm in AC I will be making a stop here for dinner.
(5)
Jennifer L.
I took my mom here for Mother's Day and it was fabulous. Everything was great--the food was delicious, the service was attentive and the entire experience was just would you would want for a special occasion. This is a must if you haven't been before and you want classic seafood dishes.
(5)
Amalia Y.
small-ish, relatively modest, pretty unassuming resto... would never have guessed it'd deliver one of the best meals i've ever had in AC. valet parking- yes live piano music- yes gorgeous raw bar - definitely delicious, um, everything- mmhmm started with the beet salad- it was super tasty. red and yellow beets, goat cheese, etc... and the dressing paired perfectly. seriously delicious. i went with one of the night's specials for dinner, a local (i believe from Cape May) fluke dish, with spinach and diced tomatoes, topped with crab meat. it was superb. others at the table had the filet (large, cooked well, they loved it) and the scallops (also wonderful). great upscale ambiance, attentive service throughout the evening... no complaints. the restaurant is a bit small, so be prepared to sit close to neighboring tables. it got rather noisy (was a friday night), which is a bit difficult for easily distracted people (definitely me)!
(4)
Penny K.
OMG... To watch my husband with such a fantastic look on his face while eating a meal is priceless. The drinks were super, the oysters were amazing, the clam chowder ..superior to any other. Entrees all sounded fantastic. Mike said the wasabi ahi tuna was out of this world, perfectly cooked and tender as sushi. I couldn't have asked for a more lovely dinner with the man I love... Can't wait to come back and try something else... Maybe next year
(5)
Leah F.
Hands down one of the best restaurants in AC. The food is always on point. Such a great seafood menu with tons of great specials.
(5)
John B.
It is with great regret that I must write this with several negative points. Docks used to be the a great fine dining experience in AC. Unfortunately, the tides have turned. Well overpriced for the quality/quantity served. Great service but the atmosphere needs a pickup as it is a bit outdated. It was a cold Thursday night in AC, and it was our Valentines dinner. We decided on our usual spot, Docks. Greeted properly upon entering and they were quick to seat us. For appies, we ordered the crab cocktail and a bowl of the crab soup. The crab cocktail was fine, but the soup left a lot to be desired for $7.50 for a small bowl. Decent flavor as you can tell it had plenty of seafood stock added, but light on the crab. We then ordered the red snapper with crab meat and a rack of lamb. I know, who gets lamb at a seafood restaurant. Have had it there many times before and it was prepared well. Not this time. Definitely a different brand/quality than they served in the past. Seemed like they were domestic, which can be decent, but these were tough and not well flavored. The red snapper with crab meat was fine, but wouldn't say it was excellent. They have also changed their bread they serve with the meal. Not what you would expect from such a restaurant. Plain and doughy. Overall, not a bad experience, but not what we were used to from Docks. For a check well over $100.00 I would have expected better quality and a sizable portion. Cocktails are pricey but well poured. Service was great, atmosphere was fine with a decent piano player for entertainment, albeit the joint does need a rehab as it is a bit outdated. Again, an average experience when we were anticipating the usual higher end encounter.
(2)
Greg W.
Yelp was right on point about this place. Enjoyed an excellent meal at a mostly decent price. Oysters - fantastic, clams - amazing, flounder stuffed with crab meat? Yes please Very good server as well. What keeps it from a 5? They stuff you in there like sardines (pun intended) and they charge an arm and leg for their liquor. Food prices were fine though. Try this place when you're in AC!
(4)
Cynthia G.
When I go on vacation, one of the things I look forward to is being a true fat ass and spending all my money on good food, and maybe booze. Going to Atlantic City, I was hoping for alot of both. Well I didn't get much of both, mainly because the food in my hotel sucked so bad, and we didn't travel far enough to explore what else was around because we were busy melting in our hot tub. I Yelped this place online before my trip and was excited to go. After a bunch of dud restaurants in the hotel (Resorts Buffet anyone?) we took the taxi ride over. We had reservations and were seated right away even though we were half an hour early. The look and feel of the place seemed a bit stuffy but the waitress was super friendly and helpful. I started with two soups because I was having a super fat moment. The New England Clam chowder was so damn delicious. Real clams still in the shells, leeks, a great fresh taste. I had the Cheese Jalapeno corn chowder after. Also good but not as good as that heavenly clam chowder. Oh how I miss you. On the waitress suggestion I tried one of their specials: Swordfish topped with shrimp in a mildly spicy cream sauce with risotto. It was awesome!!! I can't wait to go back. My boyfriend doesn't eat seafood and wasn't too happy with his steak but who gives a damn. I was there to enjoy. :)
The seafood at this place is amazing, as fresh and delicious as it could get or be! AMAZING! The ambience was nice, the restaurant accomodated us even though we were almost half an hour late for our reservation. The appetizer sampler for 2 was incredible! The ONLY compalint I have which is sort of a big one, and cost them a star, is that we waited almost an HOUR for our main course. The drinks came quick, so did the appetizer, but waiting so long for your main course is a little unreasonable. Hopefully it was just a fluke and I'm definitely planning to enjoy dinner here again.
(4)
Daneane N.
To focus on the overall dining experience, I'd return to Dock's over and over again (if I lived in Atlantic City). It's not big, but there's a lot of history that you can just feel when you walk in the door. A gentleman playing piano at the bar was a nice touch (despite the bar area being rather small). We had an 8:45 PM reservation, but weren't seated until close to 10:00 PM. At least one group left after waiting an hour for their table. That was a big mistake! Joanne, our server, was clearly knowledgeable and experienced, as well as friendly. Seating arrangements are tight but still relatively comfortable. We ordered the clams casino appetizer as well as the made-to-order Manhattan clam chowder. Oh my God, that soup was so fantastic! So much so that I asked the chef, who was rounding the tables, for the recipe (which he obliged however I'm certain I'll never be able to duplicate it). The clams casino were delicious as well, however they didn't have any breading, which I guess I just expected. Didn't matter though because they didn't need it. I chose one of their dinner specials for my entree, Seafood Risotto; scallops, shrimp and crab in a lobster cream sauce. I cannot begin to describe the deliciousness of this dish. It was seasoned to perfection and the seafood was delicate and fresh. The only thing that put a damper on the experience was what seemed like a lack of air conditioning. It was rather hot in there, and my partner was uncomfortable to the point of sweating and nausea. Unsure if that was the norm or an anomaly. All I can say is that if you don't mind waiting for an amazing meal (and you shouldn't) you have to visit Dock's. I only wish I lived closer.
(5)
Boku J.
Had the best experience. The food was amazing fresh and full of flavor. The piano was a lovely addition to the beautiful decor and ambiance of the restaurant. My party was very late and the size changed from 12 to 6 and they made accommodations for us. The servers were kind and helpful. Every single person enjoyed their appetizer and entree. The mussels in the red sauce were the best I've ever had. If you haven't been you need to go no where else in a.c. compares.
(5)
Sergii M.
I've been living in AC for 5 years, but I opened this restaurant just after I moved to New York : ) Great place. When I came for the first time I totally forgot that I was in Atlantic City!))) Nice atmosphere, good food, awesome clam chowder.
(4)
Shirlana D.
Old School seafood house at its finest. The decor was rich and inviting and staff was engaging. The atmosphere appeared to be enjoyed by friends, families and couples a like. I have been here several times while visiting AC and have never been disappointed. I was taken here by my bf who loves the fried shrimp. Of course, I tried his and now I know what all the fuss was about :). The salad is great but the food was better! The calamari portion was big and ample enough to be shared. I have had the scallops (which were succulent, as well as the flounder which was tender, light and filling. The cream sauce that the flounder is served with, makes you yearn for more. The portions are big enough to be shared and you will surely have no room for dessert (I never do and I have a hearty appetite). You will not be disappointed if you try this place. You must check this place out if you are an avid seafood lover.
(5)
John S.
Helen our server was personable, knowledgable and seemed to really enjoy her job. She took her time to explain the specials and the different flavor profiles of those dishes. It was slightly overwhelming in a goodway, as more information is better to make an informed decision. To the food, I'm not going to get into the details of each of our dishes, but I had a ribeye, wife had the salmon and kids had the crab cakes and they said it was one of the better meals they have had in a while. Desert, we had a banana pie which was very light, not overly sweet, it was fresh and hit the spot. Went there on a Wednesday and i couldn't get reservation till 9 so book ahead.
(5)
John E.
Unfortunately, this much hyped restaurant did not live up to its reputation. As an East Coast seafood restaurant, one would expect local seafood served in excellent style, especially for as nice a restaurant as this establishment (If you are a Foodie, think Hanks in Charleston for style, but Hanks blows this place away in taste.) In the local seafood department, it seemed to be very hit or miss, and I wish I had a better waiter to ask questions. Unfortunately, my waiter barely knew the menu, had no idea what wines they served, and was unable to provide information on the food. Pros: (few) - Great ambiance - Reasonable wine prices Cons: (many) - Rolls: anyone want a brick? Frozen rolls heated up in the oven until you have to use a knife to break through the crust, only to get a nasty freezer burned interior that tastes like the inside of a refrigerator. - Reservation was not upheld, over a 30 minute wait for our table with no bar space available for waiting, instead we had to awkwardly stand in the middle of the entryway. - Both fish dishes were well below what one would expect at a fine establishment - Girlfriend got her glass of wine a few minutes after ordering it, mine took half an hour - water glass refills were only done when the waiter was specifically asked - Crab meat was from Louisiana - Besides some of the shellfish it didn't seem there was any local and non-frozen seafood on the menu
(2)
Mish M.
The stars is for the food. Make sure they give you unused Oyster crackers as ours was left on the table from the party before. ;:/ The food is excellent. The bartender was great, I got a Asian martini iIt was a Friday night the food service was bad. Just plain old bad and slow everyone was complaining around us cause was waiting so long to be served. Two dozen oysters , seared scallops and Wasabi tuna. Delicious
(5)
Monica P.
A well known Atlantic City institution for over a century that I can't believe I've now got to try after my countless visits to AC! We wanted to try new places that's not in the casino or on the boardwalk for once... And we came across Dock's. A RESERVATION IS A MUST AT LEAST A DAY IN ADVANCE; otherwise they'll tell you their completely booked for the whole evening. Surprisingly, the ambiance is much more classier than I expected... So come here decently dressed but comfortable enough to fit all the food in your stomach! Seafood tower - all chilled seafood that comes with 3 raw clams, 3 raw oysters, a shrimp ceviche, two shrimp cocktails, cooked chilled mussels and a cooked chilled decent size lobster. I didn't really like the mussels or were too crazy of the oysters offered in this tower, shrimp cocktails were huge and delicious, clams went down great along with the lobster. Not a bad value and good portion for two. Soft Shell Crab - I've heard this is a must request if they have it when it's in season! My boyfriend has always been a sucker for soft shell crab... And lucky us, it was in season so we ordered it off their specials. The soft shell crab was bigger than regular soft shell crabs we normally eat and it was seasoned and fried soo perfectly. My boyfriend LOVED his dish, even the sides that came on the dish was delicious with his meal. Land & Sea - another specials of theirs that's quite raved about. It came with plenty of fried shrimp that's stuffed with a whole lot of crab meat. The filet mignon on this dish had some good flavor components there but it just wasn't tender enough or cooked perfectly enough to my liking. The dish is also served with yummy asparagus and mash potatoes! My date & I couldn't even finish our entree that we had to pack it to go. I thought my skirt was gonna pop anytime soon.. So again, wear nice but comfortable clothing! We saved some space just because we were really looking forward to trying their famous banana creme pie for dessert that we were soo sad when they were all out for the night! I'll be coming back to Dock's just to try the banana creme pie and other entree's such as the pan seared sea scallops! Service was superb... Great for a date and I highly recommend it's worth a visit here for Atlantic City.
(4)
B D.
Don't review much on yelp, but always use when looking for restaurants, so owe some to you folks. Found docks on yelp and was as advertised. Environment was very cool and fun, and most importantly food was awesome. Apps Started with oysters, recommendation from waiter was cape May salts, they were fantastic especially if you like smaller oysters, which I do. Also got malpeques which were very good. Wife and I split beet salad and enjoyed it. Main course Best part of the meal, and was tough to top oysters, my wife got 18oz lobster tail and she loved it, I had some also. Surprisingly the best was the soft shell crabs I ordered on special, they were lightly fried and fantastic, wife liked them better than her tail and she doesn't even like soft shells (and the tail was very good but expensive), best I've ever had, meaty and great flavor, a little kick to them also.
(5)
Francis C.
Amazing meal! Make sure you make reservations well in advance to get the time you want. From start to finish, this was the perfect restaurant experience. After we were seated at a little table for two, our waitress, Kim greeted us and was very helpful and friendly. I avoided the oyster crackers but couldn't resist the bread, as it was a soft slice that was begging to be buttered. On to the food! Appetizers (See photos) 1. Fried Oysters Marinara (This was one of their specials and wasn't on the menu) - It was delicious! I happen to love oysters and the fried variety is good too, especially when topped with Parmesan cheese and marinara sauce. It was an Oyster Parm! 2. Beet Salad (This was another special that wasn't on the menu) - This was a really nice salad that I want to steal the recipe for. The citrus vinaigrette, tangerine slices, pistachio nuts and feta cheese balanced out the beets perfectly. Entrees (See photos) 1. Land and Sea (This was one of their specials and wasn't on the menu) - A twist on the surf and turf, this was a Filet Mignon and Fried Shrimp stuffed with crab meat. My wife absolutely loved this dish as the steak was cooked perfectly and I can personally attest to the shrimp being plump, juicy and full of fresh crab meat. 2. Flounder Francaise over spinach with tomato and crab meat" over spinach with tomato and crab meat (Yet another special) - The fish was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy. The tomatoes and crab meat really added another level of flavor that felt fresh and light. I loved this dish. Dessert (See photos) 1. Banana Cream Pie - This is their signature pie so we had to try it. It was as advertised! The banana tasted so fresh and it blended perfectly with the cream for a party in the mouth. 2. Apple Crisp - It was not a fair fight, but it could not compare to the Banana Cream Pie. If you are in Atlantic City, I highly recommend eating here. You will not regret it.
(5)
Bianca C.
Coming here was the best idea ever! Thanks BEB! We came to a yelp event in AC and my Beb tells me there's a place I made reservations to that you will really like. Who me? Why because I love to be wined and dined? Because I love going on cutsie dates with my husband and being romanced by him? YES! Besides this place being an amazing date idea the food is delicious! From beginning to end an enjoyable experience with professional staff that treats the customer like royalty. YoSteph gave us some good advice before coming, "Don't get full off the bread!" Now did I listen? How could I that initial bread roll was so soft and fluffy, it was begging for me to sniff and eat all of it's insides lol! Not gonna lie I was hungry so I started nibbling on the lil bread balls they place on your table too. My husband and I shared an arugula and radicchio salad which has red wine vinaigrette, crumbled feta, candied walnuts, sun dried cranberries, and pears. The ingredients in the salad were all fresh and it was a good start. Our second appetizer was the fried oysters with marinara that tasted like seafood parm, these oysters released an explosion of flavor in my mouth. For the main event I got one of their specials of the day called the land and sea which was phenomenal! This dish came with a filet mignon, I ordered it medium rare. It came with 3 large shrimp stuffed with crab meat and a side of mashed potatoes, HELLO! That filet was juicy, soft, and flavorful, I was complete just eating the filet. However, I did have some shrimp on that plate, do I really need to go into detail about how shrimp stuffed with crab taste? You know this dish is perfection. I was so complete, but I needed to taste that legendary banana cream pie. OH EM GEE! That pie is worth driving to AC for!
(5)
Ryan Z.
Pretty good food. An Atlantic City institution. Lousy service. What was supposed to be a very memorable evening was stymied by rude, unprofessional service by a waiter with a very bad attitude. Our waiter was gruff from the moment we sat down, and only got worse once he heard we didn't want to order alcohol. I rarely drink, and when I do, I never drink with food because it makes me feel sick, not because I'm too cheap to order booze. Our waiter just got worse as the night progressed. When silverware was brought to the table, it was literally slid across the table, rather than politely placed next to our plate. Check-ins with the waiter consisted of him swooping into my ear and loudly saying "everything's good, right?" in a curt, aggressive manner. When he took our neighboring table's order, he rested his butt cheeks on the edge of our table. Okay, the space is tight between tables, but seriously, get your butt off the place where I'm eating. What was perhaps most insulting about the service was that he was oohing and ahhing over a party of older regulars that sat down next to us. He shook all their hands, was smiling (we never got one smile), and even brought them a complimentary appetizer. For us, he was just huffy and impatient. The check was brought before we were done eating. Clearly he wanted to get rid of us as quickly as possible. Since he was fawning over the table next to us, I know he had the ability to be a good waiter to us if he wanted to. What a shame he chose to write us off. Okay, onto the food. The raw oysters were excellent. The special asparagus and crab soup was really good except that the crab meat wasn't American blue crab, so while the lumps were big, the crab flavor was minor and overpowered by the asparagus. My friend raved about his red snapper, which I tired and thought was delicious. I went on a limb and had the rack of lamb on suggestion of the waiter; it was perfectly cooked but not well-crusted and thus felt somewhat under-seasoned. However, the crispy fried beets and mashed potatoes were excellent. For dessert, we went for the classic banana cream pie. Though very creamy, the banana flavor was not as strong as I'd have liked it, but the homemade crust was a winner. Overall, I think our experience would have been substantially more enjoyable with a waiter who had left his bad attitude at the door.
(2)
A B.
The food is very good. However, the soups were brothy, salty, and served in various sized large serving bowls. Just weird and neither upscale nor appealing in presentation. At a five o'clock dinner, my sister was told there was only one lobster soup left. At 5 o'clock? Was it leftover from yesterday? Eww. Calamari was mushy. Two shrimp cocktail pieces were ok but seriously: two? Entrees are expensive and all sides are a' la carte. There is not a children's menu to speak of, so the kids ordered flounder or filets. One steak was served in place of the flounder and the waiter asked if that was ok. Um no. Desserts were very good. But, as locals, there's really no need to ever go again.
(2)
Lara D.
Very excited to try this place while in Atlantic City. We made reservations to be safe. It was packed on a Friday night. Our reservations was at 9:45 pm which was a bit late and a bummer because you need to put in all your orders before the kitchen closes. Really quaint fine dining homely restaurant. We had the Maine clam chowder which was filled with actual clams. The soup was rather soupy and milky and not the usual thick and creamy. I enjoyed it, but I guess I'm more used to creamy. Also had the oyster sampler that was very fresh. I got the peacocks, Indian, and salts. First two from Canada and the last from jersey. They were all great. Steamed clams with oil and white wine was also tasty as well. Great dipping sauce for your bread. All the clams were juicy and delicious. We had a lot of clams. Also had the one pound lobster served chill that was fabulous. I wish we had ordered the other things on the menu mainly the main dishes salmon and lobster tail but we were so full off the things we had and the kitchen closed. Wish we were here longer to eat at Docks another night. The white wine Riesling was also spectacular. Nice and sweet. The quality of the food here should be the standard for ALL restaurants.
(4)
Leslie D.
As someone who does not go to AC more than once a year I must say that I love Dock's. I always try to dine here when I'm in Atlantic City as I love the food and it is an old school institution- it first opened its doors in 1897! Obviously with the words "Oyster House" in the name of the restaurant you must get some raw oysters to start. A dozen or so at least since they have 10 varieties to try. They are always so fresh and sweet! I also have been meaning to get the Shellfish Sampler here as the prices are so reasonable... or I've just been jaded by Manhattan pricing. Either way, it's on my to do list. If soft shelled crab is in season, you must ask if they have the Oreganata special. Normally I'm not a huge fan of S.S.C. (I mean, I generally don't like gnawing on appendages of shellfish) but this was such a tasty eye opener! Perfectly seasoned and very tender. I did not have to spit out any pieces of shell which is my biggest complaint towards eating soft shelled anything. Obviously they offer whole lobsters and these suckers weigh in at 2 pounds at the lightest! I have never seen the 6 pound monsters but I do not doubt they have them... You can get them steamed, broiled, stuffed with crab imperial or stuffed with colossal crab meat. In case you are not a lobster fan (please note you are dead to me) they do offer a few steak options and other tantalizing entree options such as crab cakes, sea scallops, rack of lamb, sauteed fish and jumbo shrimp. They also have a decent beer selection as well to wash down your tasty meal with!
(5)
Salina L.
This is my 3rd time dining at this establishment. My meals have continuously gotten better and better. Tonight, my dinner was so spectacular I just needed to share it. I had the special of the night -- halibut with crab meat, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and leeks. This was one of the best meals I have ever had in my entire life. I'm sitting at the table now still digesting it but couldn't wait to tell the world about it. COME HERE AND EAT. (If you haven't already! Or if you have, come again!) Service was great too! Thank you Hanna! We will be back again and again until the end of time! :)
The food was amazing as well as the service. The steak was cooked perfectly and lobster tail was huge. First time have New England clam chowder with the actual whole clams. Will say everything tasted fresh too. Not to often can say a place was perfect
(5)
Whitney A.
My boyfriend and I were told by numerous locals and by Yelp that this restaurant was the place to go in Atlantic City outside of the actual boardwalk. Luckily, we got a reservation on the same day, but upon arrival we had to wait an additional 30 minutes during a moderately busy dinner service. When we were finally seated, it took a while for us to be waited on and to even get a glass of water. When it came time to order food, the waiter knew the whole special menu by heart and seemed knowledgable. But when my date and I asked a few more specific questions, everything fell apart. We are from Maryland and asked about the crab cakes. The waiter had no idea where the crab meat came from -- in a Marylander's humble opinion, a high-end restaurant on the East Coast should ALWAYS serve Maryland crab. We also asked about a type of wine that was unfamiliar to us and, apparently, to the waiter as well. He did recover by offering us a taste, but he couldn't even tell us if it was white or red. I ended up ordering a salmon with risotto and my boyfriend got the red snapper. My salmon was not cooked completely and the risotto had a bit of a crunch to it. His red snapper was about a "C" rating. Granted we are picky being from Maryland about our seafood, but based on the reviews of the place we were kind of disappointed. If you want good service, decent prices, good ambiance, and pretty awesome food, you may want to check out Dock's "cousin" restaurant Harry's down the boardwalk.
(2)
Erin C.
Great food and atmosphere. Crab cakes were light and full of crab. Steamed clams were Awesome as well as the oysters. Soft shell crab was outstanding. Must go to joint.
(5)
Rebecca H.
What a fabulous meal! Everything we ordered was outstanding. I think my favorite was the fried tomato salad. But the sea scallops were amazing too. My husband could barely finish his lobster tail, it was so large. This place was such a treat.
(5)
Mia C.
I thought this place was really good and the prices aren't that bad for what you get. They have their own valet parking right outside so that you don't have to park your car on the street. They give you big portions, and the service is quick. You have to make a reservation, and they don't open until 5pm. I will definitely be back again.
(4)
Mona C.
Disappointed! I ordered lobster tail and my son ordered the filet. The lobster tail was chewy, and tasted no better than what I would expect from a chain restaurant. I was NOT happy paying $54.00 for something I didn't truly enjoy. The filet seemed like it has been sitting for a while before it made it to the table and wasn't good. There were bland mixed veggies piled on the plate as well and their liquid made the "so so" steak a bit soggy. Food looked like it was hastily thrown on the plate. Again, we were expecting to be wowed and left very disappointed. Mashed potatoes and bread were good. But that's not what we came for! I should have told the waiter we were not happy. I went there as a kid and I wanted to take my son there. I won't go back!!
(2)
Stephanie Y.
#atlanticcity: I'm a sucker for history and boy, does this place exude it. A few quick things: 1. Make a reservation. This place is busy! 2. Don't fill up on oyster crackers and bread! Snagging a small table for two, the beau and I decided to forgo the Restaurant Week menu and stick with what we actually want. We split the app sampler, I went with the flounder topped with crab meat, he with the red snapper topped with crab meat and a slice of cheese pie for dessert. I mean, the clams casino and oyster rockefeller and even the grilled shrimp in the app sampler was perfect. Not cheap by any means, but each bite a little piece of perfection and slightly different and unique than you've had before. I would recommend any of those dishes. My flounder in a light cream sauce topped with crab was perfection. Like utter perfection. If you don't love fishy fish, but love seafood, this is the dish for you. The red snapper on the other hand was a tad bit more fishy for my liking and one bite was more than enough. The cheese pie? A whole bunch of yes! A few other items to note: Although this may be one of the more expensive restaurants in AC, service is kitschy: old school AC, I mean there's a guy playing piano tunes in the corner. It's not bad by any means, but don't expect buttoned up service. The beer list could be improved upon as it's mostly Budweiser products.
(5)
Rob C.
Docks Oyster Bar was one of the most enjoyable meals I have had in AC. Great place off the hotel strips, huge oyster selection. Sea food was fresh and very well prepared. Although the prices are a bit high the quality of the meal and especially the size of the portions well makes up for it
Like all the other reviews state, this place is old school AC. Easily my favorite fine dining in all of AC. Delicious and reasonably priced seafood, considering the high standards of this restaurant. I've got celiac, which can make eating out a total PITA depending on how service staff responds, and the staff here was fantastic about it. This is one of the only places I've ever been able to order gluten free clam chowder. My husband and I got oysters, soup, salad, lobster, scallops, some fish special, and desserts. Everything was awesome. Make sure to get a reservation well ahead of time. We almost missed out on eating here because we didn't book far enough in advance for a Sat night. Can't wait to come back on our next AC trip.
(5)
Pierre P.
Simply AMAZING!! The Fried Oyster Parmigiana app, the Land and Sea and the Seared Scallops entrees are highly recommended!!! When in A.C.,you gotta give this place a chance. We will definitely come again!!
(5)
Bethany W.
Absolutely delicious. Great service. But the wait is long (even with reservations!). My mom and I got the lobster ( yum). My brother got the fried seafood entree and loved it. It was a large portion. My dad got the clam linguine and the presentation was lovely. We also started off with the baked clams and calamari which were both very good. The executive chef also stepped outside to say hi to everyone during our meal. Definitely go but keep in mind there may be a long wait!
(5)
Jamie K.
Holy Oysters. I know that this an aggressive statement but this is literally the best seafood restaurant. Ever. So amazing. It can get pricey quick (even if you don't have a red wine problem) but totally worth it. You need reservations.
(5)
Albert S.
Went for post Valentines dinner. Never go on Valentines day, usually too crowded. Anyway, had an excellent meal. My wife started with the clam chowder (white) which she said was very good. It wasn't like a New England which is thick. This one had a nice creamy broth. I had Oysters for a starter; what else would you have at and Oyster house? I got the sampler (12 oysters) which were good, but they didn't tell me what type of oysters were on the plate. For dinner I had the Red Snapper special which was really good. The fish was prepared perfectly. For a side we had the fried beets which were excellent, but not easy to pick up. Almost like shoe string potatoes. My wife had the lobster tail which was very good and large. For dessert I had Joe's Cheese Pie which was excellent, but rather large and unfortunately I was too full to finish it. My wife had the chocolate cake which she said was good. Our service was really good. Everyone was friendly and attentive. My only complaints would be the Oysters not being identified and the place was extremely cold. It was a cold night, but they could have turned up the heat.
(4)
Mike Z.
All I can say is wow. Thats a lot of sea food! I came here with a group of 4. Great oyster selection! We ordered a dozen for the table of combination of west and east coast. They were really good. For appetizer we ordered Tuna tar tar and a 4.25 pound lobster for the table. The waiter brought out the lobster before cooking it to show us how huge it us. That was cool! The lobster was delicious, they de-shelled him per our request and it was a lot of meat. For entrees we ordered 2 orders of soft shell crab and a filet magnon. Both were very good. Our waiter was very friendly. The food is reasonably priced. I am excited to come back here again.
(5)
Michael B.
My wife and I came to Atlantic City for her birthday this year and for her birthday dinner, we went to Dock's. I understand all the great reviews. This place is awesome!! Cozy dining with very good food. Very good food!! Prices are reasonable and the portions are generous. The wait staff does an excellent job at making sure you are taken care of. Make reservations. It does get busy!
(5)
Bob B.
While I thought the quality of food was solid, I'm giving this old school AC institution the full 5 for cleanliness, service and style. They do not serve full entrees at the bar, but the choice of appetizers is filling - and the guys who work the bar are really phenomenal. Gracious and fun at the same time. In the battle between the 2 grand dames (Oyster House vs. Knife and Fork) I give a solid thumbs up to my personal choice: Dock's, for the quintessential non-casino experience. Banana Creme Pie lived up to the chatter, as did shrimp ceviche, clams casino, and everything else we ordered. Nice wine list. Honestly, cheap for the overall quality. I'll probably go back tomorrow night. Why fuck around?
(5)
Ade B.
"Old School" seafood place that always delivers great food and great service. This is my go-to seafood spot in Atlantic City. I've been coming here for years and never had a bad meal. The fried shrimp is a personal favorite. I feel sorry for all the people who eat in the casinos when Dock's is so much better!
Had my worst restaurant experience ever at Dock's on Thursday. I had a reservation for over a weeks time, but when my party of 8 arrived we were told that our table was given away because I did not confirm the reservation. We then waited over an hour and a half before leaving. Although the hostess was apologetic, it was clear Dock's wasn't going to go out of their way to accommodate our party. We went across the street for burgers and were waited on by a much friendlier staff.
(1)
Niki C.
Can't believe this is my first time dining at Dock's when I have been coming to AC all my life! The food was delicious and service was good. Although we had a resy, we had to wait just a short while in a very crowded bar/entry area to be seated- about 10 mins so no biggie except that we had a concert to go see at nearby boardwalk hall. Hostess was gracious and our waitress very sweet. Only thing I had to let her slide on is that I'm quite confident she brought me a Chardonnay when I asked for a Sauvignon Blanc. Let's blame the bartender now that I think about it, cause I really liked her. I started with fresh oysters- a combo of Cape May Salts and Malpeque while the boyfriend had the chilled lobster- great way to start an even better night! I pride myself in ordering well so I went for the seared scallops and he got the red snapper with crab meat on top. This particular night, the mister was definitely the better orderer. I make scallops at home and 9 times out of 10 do so perfectly. I once messed me up as did the chef that night- didn't get a good enough sear on them for a crispy edge, the the butter burns and alters the flavor. They were still good enough to eat so I didn't complain- I instead just saved my last bite for the BF's fish & crabmeat which was perfect! So yes, despite an error or two, this place is certainly worth coming back to! Complimentary valet and private parking lot were helpful and just a hop, skip and jump over to Boardwalk Hall afterward!
(4)
Michelle X.
Service here was great. My friends made a reservation here and like most places, we can't be seated until the entire party has arrived. This establishment is very clean and was super crowded. Our table of 12 ordered 2 towers of seafood for 4 ppl each, steak, codfish, wasabi tuna, lamb, scallops, and soups. I love the Ceviche on the tower, i wished they gave more chips with it though. The raw shellfish were fresh and i liked the huge lumps of crabmeat. Maine Clam Chowder tasty, had lots of clams in shells in the soup, but a bit too salty and i wished the soup was thicker. it has a consistence of a broth. Cowboy Steak was cooked perfectly but is big enough to feed 3 people! This is definitely something you need to share or have a big appetite for! Codfish was the dish I ordered. I didn't really like this dish because it was over cooked and a lot of scallions on top. My friend ordered the same dish and his was cooked perfectly. Luckily I was able to send the dish back and switch for the Wasabi Tuna. Wasabi Tuna was awesome, I recommend ordering it with the sauce on the side. Their sauce is very salty and it takes away from the freshness and wasabi on the fish! Rack of Lamb was good, i didn't eat it but i saw all my friends enjoying it and didn't leave a single bit on their plates. Scallops are great, i wished it was served on risotto like i see in the pictures on yelp. The day I went it was served with mash and veges. The scallops are huge and plentiful, it had a nice char on it. If you come here, you must get their BANANA CREME PIE and cheesecake! it is to die for!
(4)
Robert O.
My honey and I went here before the 3 Dog Night concert. We usually go to Knife and Fork (ironically owned by the same family) or The Melting Pot. Service was spot on throughout. (water delivery/refill a little slow, but so minor) Started off with a Vesper Martini, and it was very crisp and almost perfect. Apps arrived and we dug in. I had the Tuna Tartar and the Maine Clam Chowder. I've had many, many clam chowders, but this one was at the very top. The Tuna dish was also fantastic. Crab Meat Salad was also a hit. Dinner was the Beef and Reef (don't shoot me, I know it's a seafood joint) which was top notch, and the Crab Au Gratin. My wife is a sucker for cheese, and this was very satisfying. We will be returning and I will update with other dishes as I try them.
(4)
Robert M.
Went to Doc's for my wife's birthday and everything was beyond wonderful. Mike our waiter was the best and made us laugh throughout the dinner. He even went as far as to scrape the seeds off my roll as I can't eat seeds. Good old fashioned service that never disappoints. I had the tuna tartar and the red snapper and my wife had the asparagus soup and a crab dish that was the best we ever had and I mean THE BEST. To finish the meal they brought a lemon meringue pie for my wife and put a candle in it and sung Happy Birthday to her. Thanks for a memorable experience for her special day. We will be back.
(5)
Rob E.
Everything was truly great here. The ambiance was perfect. The food was delicious. From the soft shell crab, the clams, the crab stuff flounder, to the chowder, everything was fresh and incredibly tasty. My only minor complaint would be that the tables were very close to each other and we felt very cramped, especially when the waiters were reaching over us to serve other tables. But overall we had a great experience here.
(4)
Tashnuva E.
I am not too fond of seafood but this place blew me away! First, our server, Kim was a total sweetheart! She was really accommodating and nice and helped us pick from the menu. The food itself was pretty great too! For appetizers, we got the oysters Rockefeller. It was my first time eating oysters and although I wasn't too fond of the texture and the fishy taste of it, it still wasn't bad. The calamari, however, was just absolutely fantastic. I've had a lot of calamari at a lot of different places and I must say, the calamari here was just heavenly. For the main entree, my boyfriend got the sea scallops in lobster sauce which was just spectacular (I had a taste!). I, on the other hand, got the pecan crusted salmon which was sweet and delicious! I prefer more savory salmon instead of sweet salmon so it wasn't my favorite but it was still very, very yummy. I also got a boiled potato on the side with sour cream, which complemented the fish well. Definitely give this place a try if you're in the area! Even if you're not a seafood lover, you'll definitely like the ambience of this place--there was even a live piano performance! Great service, great food, great ambience--there's not much more you can ask for!
(5)
Olya R.
Good food, great service, and high class atmosphere. Went for a solo dinner and sat at the bar while being serenaded by the piano player. Their seafood was delicious and fresh with great specials. I had a special, don't recall what is was but it was delicious. Make sure you get the bread not the oyster balls s so you can dip your bread in whatever sauce you have left over.
(5)
Lorin R.
As a twice yearly visitor to Atlantic City, no trip is complete without our dinner at our favorite restaurant in the world, Dock's Oyster House. From the warm and lovely welcome from the Hostess, to the guy expertly shucking the clams behind the bar, to the generous & delicious drinks poured by friendly bartenders, to the always professional and competent waitstaff, and then to the always mouth watering food that arrives, there is no other restaurant that can compare in terms of quality and consistency. This past weekend we decided to go to AC for my boyfriend's 50th birthday. I made a reservation at "Dock's" on Open Table for 6 pm on a Saturday night. Got the email confirmation, showed up at 6:05 pm, and the hostess could not find our reservation.... Uh oh. Turns out I mistakenly made the reservation at a similar sounding restaurant in NYC. Smooth move, eh? I felt like crying, and felt like such a schmuck. Luckly for us, we were at Docks in AC, and the hostess said "don't you worry, take a seat at the bar and I will squeeze you guys in". Wow. Birthday dinner crisis averted! And so graciously too I might add. There is a reason this place is the best, it isn't just the outrageous food, but the staff too. They make you feel at home and comfortable. But I digress, the food..... A few years ago I had the sea bass poached in a broth with onions, tomatoes and mushrooms, and I STILL DREAM about this dish! Seriously. One of the best dinners of my life, and I'm a foodie. I was excited to have the Cod this past weekend prepared in a similar way and sure enough it was delicious and moan worthy. We told the "shucking" guy at the bar (while waiting for our table) to pick what he though looked good for our dozen oysters and he did not disappoint. They were outstanding and each type had their own delicious flavor. My boyfriend had a filet & king crab legs and was extremely happy with both, the steak cooked to perfection and the crab legs delectable. Whether a special occasion, date night, or if you just want the best seafood around, do yourself a favor and head to Dock's. But make a reservation first!! I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Anthony D.
Amazing Place!!! This is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to in terms of food quality and service. It may seem expensive but the value for your dollar is unmatched for the quality of food and service you receive. You have to go here! And by the way for all of you oyster lovers, the price per oyster is actually less expensive and better quality than 99% of all other oyster houses around. There is almost never any shell in the oysters when I get them and if that is all you are going for then it is best to sit at the bar. The restaurant is more of a fine dining establishment. Some suggestions would be to try the seafood tower, lump crab appetizer, or any of their fresh seafood entrees. I love it when they have Chilean Sea Bass (Yummmm!) Also you have to try the lobster, get the biggest one they have available... soo good. The only downfall to the place is bathroom access for elderly/handicapped people, but I am not old yet so I don't care at this time. See you soon Dock's!!! We come here at least 2 times a year with no budget
(5)
Kandace B.
Awesome food and great service! Tight quarters, so get ready to make friends with the neighboring tables, but the feel of "old time" A.C. is perfect! Great place to get off the boardwalk. Totally recommend it for a special night!
(5)
John M.
Although I've had the fortune of eating at Nucky's favorite Knife & Fork before, this was my first time at Dock's. The place is always packed to the brim. The place exudes old school AC cool. Beer menu is weak, but they did have a few craft offerings. I got a Pranster from North Coast. Really good stuff. On every table is a huge glass full of oyster crackers. They also bring out warm, fluffy, fresh baked rolls for each person..... For apps, we got a sampler that included clams casino, oysters rock and grilled shrimp. All were incredible and perfect. You really should try all 3 of them. For entrees, I got a red snapper with crab meat and asparagus. It was a HUGE portion and incredibly cooked. I was very pleased with my order until I tasted wifey's. She got flounder with crab meat and cream sauce. I cannot explain how F'ing good it was. We also got two side dishes. We got the french fried beets, which were literally red beets served like onion strings. They were really, really good, and added a nice crunch to the fish dishes. We also got souffled potatoes, which were like balloon-style hollowed-out steak fries. They were damn good as well. For dessert, we got the famous cheese pie (to go). It was LARGE and real good. Total cost was under $150.
(5)
Cat S.
Old fashioned Atlantic City staple (in business since 1897). Although it is not part of a resort this is a very popular and trendy scene albeit for an older crowd. We still had a lot of fun. They have a very serious seafood menu with about 10 different types of oysters!!!! Try a few but do yourself a favor and make sure the Barcats are one of the oysters you choose. They were by far the most tasty and unique we tried. Their crab and asparagus soup was just as the waitress described... amazing. My friend had the Maine clam chowder and it was pretty bland. The Tuna Tartare was another highlight. The tuna seemed extremely fresh and tasted accordingly. Beer selection was not the best. They have valet parking with a big lot.
I don't give 5 stars often but this is the best restaurant in my hometown bar none. Even casino restaurants. Not cheap but neither are casino restaurants. All fresh seafood. Oyster bar second to none. Stuffed flounder?? Get it. Fine wine? No problem. Real great service? Hell yes. Dougherty family is the best.
(5)
John D.
YUM the best spot in AC....if not in front of a winning slot machine
(4)
Rashid M.
My friends and I were looking for a nice place to have dinner while staying at Atlantic City. We decided to go to Dock's Oyster House after seeing so many positive reviews from Yelp. Unfortunately, this was one of the very few times that I shouldn't have listed to Yelp :) We ordered Oysters and Fried Calamari for appetizers. I'm not a fan of raw oysters, so I skipped it. The calamari had a light batter and tasted pretty good. I had been craving scallops for a while, so I decided to order the Seared Sea Scallops for my entree. Man was I dissapointed. The scallops were overcooked and very dry. Only thing that I enjoyed on my plate was the mashed potatoes. I really expected better from this restaurant.
(2)
Joseph W.
Fabulous! I never use that word. Made it just in time for the last seating, around 8:15. Our server was a guy named Will. Friendly, professional, informative. Try the steamed clams. Best we ever had. My fiancee had the soft shell crabs, I had the scallops. Just really good seafood. You would expect that at the shore but don't always get it. Hats off to Dock's.
(5)
Douglas C.
My friends had been here numerous times and gave rave reviews, and deservedly so. We were a party of 9 for a bachelor party and our waitress Kim did a great job. Fresh seafood is the name of the game here. Unpretentious old school feel, this place is an institution for a reason. Started off with some oysters, of which there were about 8 different varieties. Fresh salty and delicious. We also had some tuna tar tar, lobster risotto, jumbo lump crab meat, salads and shrimp cocktail. Absolutely no complaints with any of the appetizers/sides. For my main, i had flounder that was topped with crab meat in a cream sauce. Normally I prefer steak to fish, but this was awesome. The serving was large, perfectly cooked and heavy on the crab meat. The sauce was really the star. Buttery perfection, I tried to get it on each bite. This is a regular menu item but they did have some nice specials. All my friends enjoyed all their meals. Stiff drinks and absolutely fair price. Great service, a great spot!
Great service and great food. I don't even like seafood but the ones I did try are amazing. Got their filet mignon and clam chowder both were great, This place is skilled in all kinds of dishes, why aren't you coming?! (Btw.. This place serves good quality food using good quality ingredients, so the price will be higher. )
(5)
Tricia N.
I've been going to AC for years, and never heard of Dock's until I looked on Yelp. I am so glad I found it. It is a really old-school seafood restaurant. It was packed on a Tuesday night, but thankfully, we had reservations. It is not very large, and the tables do feel a little cramped. The menu is pretty extensive, with a really nice assortment of seafood. My husband and I shared a special soup appetizer, which had lump crap and asparagus. It might not sound that exciting, but it was awesome. I had the scallop entree, which was awesome, and my husband had the salmon risotto, which was a special that day. I was considering lobster for my main course, but all of the lobster was really expensive. I really liked the service and ambiance. I would definitely return on my next trip to AC.
(4)
Daniel W.
Well, my first Yelp review. i was hoping for a noteworthy experience to mark this occasion, and boy did i get it. Here goes: based on the high ratings on yelp my expectations were incredibly high, and i've made reservations about a month in advance. The day before our reservations we got a call from the restaurant confirming our arrival. "good", i thought, "they're on top of their game". Wrong. We arrived at 7:55 (reservations were for 8:00), and were greeted by the hostess. fast forward to 20 minutes later; asking the hostess what's going on, she offered a lot of creative excuses: "It's not our fault, we give tables an hour and a half to sit, and some of them overstayed" (is that my problem?), and "oh, we have a lot of mirrors in this place, so the room looks bigger then it really is" (huh?). "We'll sit you down really soon, i promise", she said, then disappeared for 10 minutes. at this point, there were already about 10-15 people waiting to be seated. I've done something i've never done in my life and asked to see the manager. She called the head waiter (i'm not sure why), and after i told him that we've been standing here for 30 minutes waiting for our table he looked at me, pointed at the bar, and said "so go sit down and wait". Seriously? SERIOUSLY? 5 minutes later the hostess came back apologized (for the first time, yeah?) and showed us to our table. That's it. no apologies from the "manager" (who was very diligent at giving us bread and silverware) or anyone else, no one checking in later to see that we're over this disgraceful treatment. Oh, the food was pretty good - not amazing, about on par for what you'd pay for the price. if you don't mind being treated like dirt and having your reservations ignored, eat at this establishment. I know i won't, and if even one person reads this review and thinks twice before heading there, then my trip to AC will have been a success.
(1)
Cliff C.
Really fun, old timey ambience, food and drink top notch, my wife and I had a great time. Very conducive to meeting and chatting wiht other diners
(4)
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Address :2405 Atlantic Ave
Atlantic City, NJ, 08401
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Music : Live Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Lisa E.
I went here to celebrate my 25th birthday here! I gave it try seeing such great reviews here! The waiter was great and was very nice! I forgot his name but every time I go there I wish he was my waiter. I made a reservation for a group of 7. They have 2 semi private rooms. Semi meaning there's no wall barrier to block you from other customers yet private enough to have your on space. I can actually say all the dishes was great! I am hooked to this place. Every time I come to AC, this is a must for dinner!. I recommend making reservation if your coming with a group. They also offer valet parking right outside. I forgot if there was a fee for it or not but at least you know you won't have problem finding parking.
(5)Jenn C.
Everything from service to food was pretty great. The only drawback is...you are practically sharing a table with other diners (strangers). We were entertaining clients so it was fine,but probably not the place for a romantic dinner. The pecan crusted salmon was delicious,and cooked perfectly. Our client had filet mignon and said it was the best he's had in a long time. The fluke special and crabcakes also received rave reviews. The portions aren't huge,so if you're really hungry share some appetizers. Oh,and the drinks are real good.
(5)Francesca L.
Out of the park experience! The restaurant is on the pricey side but well worth the money. I had the best soft sell crab in NJ, perfect seasoning, and texture. My entree was a great take on a salmon. The combination of pecan, apple, and spinach in the dish was a great flavor combination, and the salmon was just cooked to perfection. The best part of the experience was the waiter. She must have gone to a university for waitressing cause she gets a 10. She was so attentive, and her attention to detail was remarkable. What I appreciate the most was she knew the menu and could give relevant suggestions. You'll be missing a great spot in Atlantic City if you don't make a stop at this oyster house.
(5)Damoun Y.
Great service and amazing seafood - definitely worth a try! Highly recommend the seafood sampler!
(5)Keith K.
What a wonderful seafood place is ac! A little pricey but totally worth it when you get fresh seafood cook perfectly. Drinks are amazing at the bar, private parking lot and excellent welcoming service. When your in ac and want nice quiet place to eat with your spouse choose docks!
(5)Dana D.
Definitely love this place for its fresh seafood. The crab cakes are delicious! Only downfall is that it's so small and the tables are on top of each other which is kind of annoying. Other than that awesome restaurant.
(3)Ayesha G.
Great food, great service. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for fresh and delicious seafood
(4)Johnny I.
I once found a few shells in my crab au gratin here. That's the worst thing I can say about Dock's. Their wine list is expansive and impressive. The seafood is often caught locally that day (I know this because on a company fishing trip, we caught far too many striped bass than anyone wanted to take home, so one of our employees who doubled as a part time sous chef at Dock's brought them to the restaurant where they served as the night's special). The oyster selection is dazzling. At one dinner, my dining partner had an Alaskan King Crab that had been alive until it was cooked at Dock's. It was as big as a major league baseball stadium's home plate. It tasted like the Platonic Form of crab. It's a raucous place with crowded seating; not very good for romantic dinners or people who mind dining closely with strangers. The crowd can get a little obnoxious - once a man from Brooklyn was giving our waitress a hard time. He drunkenly asked her three times, "Where was this caught? In some polluted Jersey creek?" She finally answered him with, "Yes, sir. We caught it right outside the Oyster Creek nuclear plant," which was AWESOME.
(5)Nate G.
The raw oysters are fresh. Definitely get the fried oysters with marinara and provolone. Also, the Tuna and Red snapper meals are a great choice.
(5)Steve A.
This has to be one of the top seafood restaurants I have been to. I travel extensively and have been able to eat at the best. Just finished seared scallops with lobster burr Blanc that was perhaps the best scallops dish I've ever had. It is a highlight of coming to Atlantic City and I make a point of eating here when in town.
(5)Terri M.
Piano bar=great..not to loud Bar=great cocktails and raw bar...we had crab cocktail and shrimp cocktail...oyster crackers are wonderful...the crab cocktail was generous and huge chucks of crab..the shrimp cocktail were 4 gigantic shrimp..and we're perfectly prepared....both were amazing Restaurant=lobsters are gigantic...fresh and delicious Our experience at docks was fantastic!!!! My only regret was I was too full and skipped the desserts...the lemon pie looked just delicious and next time I will make sure and save room for it!!
(5)Hopscotch C.
Was at AC last night for a concert with my husband and decided to try Docks after reading the reviews here. I was excited to try their oysters...but that excitement went away soon. I ordered the oyster sampler and while some were okay, most of them were gritty and sandy. This is supposed to be an OYSTER house...I mean it's right in the name of the restaurant. How could they serve sub-par oysters??? I've had oysters at other places and they were never gritty. I had to rinse my oysters in the vinaigrette which ruined the oyster taste. The calamari was pretty good...very soft and fresh. My crab Ceasar salad sucked. Some of the lettuce was wilted and there was hardly any dressing on it. Very bland. The crab wasnt even seasoned. It was like they opened up a can of lump crab, cut up some old lettuce, and put it on a plate. My husband ordered the flounder with crab which was good. The highlight of my dinner was when the busboy came by when I was almost done eating and asked," Are you done eating?" whilst making eating motions with his hands and face. a) I'm not deaf..no need for sign language and b) I can speak and understand English just fine, thanks. At this point, I decided I was in fact done and we asked for the check.
(2)Julia G.
I absolutely loved this place. I think it really lived up to its great reviews. I came here for an anniversary dinner with my boyfriend and am happy I did. The service was impeccable, there was no wait time once we checked in, and the food was amazing. I highly recommend the new england clam chowder as a soup to start with. My entire experience here was positive and I cant wait to come back another time
(5)Kristen M.
Excellent experience start to finish. We had the oysters to start (very very good). Both entrees were full of flavor. The waiter was excellent and very attentive. We will be back next AC trip!
(4)Elisa H.
Very busy place. Packed the Tuesday night we were there. We walked there up the boardwalk from the Chelsea, then two blocks in, and my husband and I were fine with the neighborhood. But yes, there are poor people there. Dangerous? maybe. Service from our waiter was satisfactory, not great. He forgot to give my husband his tonic water. Also as a vegetarian, this was not much fun for him. He made do with bread, salad, onion rings and a dish of spinach. But as for me, I had a pomegranate and pear martini, very good, and the entree of seared scallops with the best broccoli rabe I've ever had. Now I know what it's supposed to be like. So that's all I ate in order to save room for dessert. Jacks Cheese Pie. WOW. I want to go back just for that. Different and fabulous with raspberry sherbet and a dollop of whipped cream.
(5)Tim A.
Good place for a nice seafood meal. The staff was personable and attentive. Food was excellent and cooked to specifications - the service was quick and efficient.
(4)Andy Z.
Very good, and I love the old school vibe. The waiters were very helpful with selections, and exceedingly quick with service. The wine list was big, and there cocktail selections were excellent. I liked the Boardwalk Empire themed drinks in particular. Food was excellent. I had the halibut, and my date had risoto. They didn't have an entre with risoto, so the waiter just made the side dish a double size and added sauteed veggies. Very tasty. Only downside was the roll was a little stale. Sure, you can hide it by warming the bread in the oven, but sooner or later it's going to cool down, and then you have cold stale rolls. Minor quibble. The only reason it's getting four stars instead of 5 is for the price it was missing that 'yo no se que'... just that little something that puts it over the top of other restaurants in this bracket. I
(4)Jessica B.
I've been to Dock's before and fell in love with the food and service, and I could not wait to bring my boyfriend on my next AC vacation. We made reservations on Open Table late afternoon, and were so excited in our cab on the way over (we were staying at the Borgata.) So imagine my surprise when we arrived and they told us they were closed. Huh? The not-at-all-apologetic host let us know their computer system was down so they didn't know about Open Table reservations and their kitchen staff had already left. "What time do you close?" I asked. "Oh, it all depends on reservations," he replied. BUT WE HAD A RESERVATION! My suggestion to Dock's is to remove yourself from online websites if you're not capable of honoring the reservations. We wouldn't have minded at all calling the restaurant to secure our table, but because you put yourselves on Open Table, we wrongly assumed we would be seated that way. Such a disappointment!
(1)Shan H.
We were in the mood for a seafood dinner after a day at the beach and we came across docks oyster house and gave it a shot since on Yelp it was 4 stars. This place is definitely overrated. The prices are high and food is not good. We showed up without a reservation and the hostess was friendly and seated us without a problem. We were also very under dressed not realizing this place was a fine dining restaurant. We ordered the tuna tartare which tasted good but didn't like how the tuna was in huge chunks and had more onions, etc than actual pieces of tuna. Not your standard tartare. We also ordered a few oysters to start which were supposed to come with hollandaise but when they came out it was missing. I got a kir royal and the glass was chipped and when I told the waiter he told us that he saw the chip but that's the way there glasses are. Our entrees were not much better than the apps. The scallops were really good but the crab gratin was basically a crab dip appetizer and not worth $30. The crab sautée was barely sautéed and the citrus sauce was not good. Creme brûlée was good. Out waiter was attentive but not too friendly. All and all the food was just average - nothing special.
(3)Ron V.
The food was ok but not great. I had the lobster tail, way over done very tuff to chew. The wife had the crab cakes. Blan tasting with lots of fill in them. She crab soup was good. Salad, fried tomatoes ok,no sauce just plan. All in all disappointed with the dinner
(3)Domenica G.
Two words: SO GOOD! We had the Maine Chowder (their take on New England clam chowder), Manhattan clam chowder, steamed mussels in an amazing spicy tomato broth & we both got the flounder topped with crab for an entree. This was quite possibly the best meal I've ever had. Everything was delicately prepared. The service was impeccable...from the valet parking, to the hostess and finally our very attentive waitress - five stars all around. Can't wait to go back!
(5)C. H.
This was probably the best seafood I have ever had. Scallops were perfectly seared and juicy. They have great shrimp ceviche. The service was fantastic. Everyone was friendly including the surrounding patrons at other tables. I would give it 5 stars but there was one problem that I could not overlook. We waited almost an hour between the appetizer and our entree. The wait staff was very apologetic. The food was well worth the wait. If you want great seafood while you are in the area and you have the time and patience than definitely try this restaurant.
(4)Keith B.
Fantastic and great service! I've taken my mom here for her birthday dinner (July 4th) the last three years and it's been awesome every time. Only suggestion would be to rotate the draught beer selection to add some variety, but that's not a big issue.
(4)Sue U.
We went to the Oyster House for my birthday dinner. The place is a very classical looking restaurant; nice piano tunes when you're waiting for your table, family owners welcoming you. I mean welcoming portion is nice. We did not start the raw bar thing, may be that was our mistake. I ordered the scallops and frankly the broccoli was in the sauce of real sand!! Very disappointed.... May be my expectations were a bit too high but well they are talking about a rest that is older than most of the countries around the world; so you are expecting at least something!! My recommendation would be to go with the raw bar menu instead of the cooked items.
(1)bill s.
This is simply a first rate seafood restaurant. After we reserve our hotel room in AC, the next thing I always do is reserve a table at Dock's Oyster House. Most recently we found out after our reservation that it was AC Restaurant Week! Bonus! Great choices. Ended up eating there both nights. (Hostess found us a table on a sold out evening for the second night). Had both soups and salads. First rate. Had pecan crusted salmon, crab cakes and stuffed flounder. All excellent. Didn't have the filet, but folks were raving about how good it was. Key lime pie was fantastic. Service is first rate. On most recent visit had scallops and risotto, wife had salmon. Oysters Rockefeller and Key Lime pie and apple crisp with vanilla Gelato for desert. Still as good as it gets. YUM!
(5)Hannah S.
Great seafood restaurant!
(4)Esther K.
Found Dock's when looking for a special place to celebrate my Dad's 83rd birthday. Absolutely perfect! We had reservations at 6:00 p.m. and arrived 10 minutes early but they had our table waiting for us and seated us right away. It was tucked away in a semi-private room that was cozy but allowed you to see out into the main dining area. As my parents are older, they have a difficult time hearing with a lot of background noise so this was a perfect table for us. Starters: Clams in a delicious tomato sauce - tender and very generous portion! Calamari that was so tender and light. Corn chowder very flavorful and not too heavy. The best dish of the night was the Jersey tomatoes covered in panko crumbs and fried over a bed of mixed greens. OMG, it was heavenly! The crispy outside with the warm sweet tomatoes and melted cheese inside was so good I would have been satisfied with this for dinner. Again, the portions were so generous. Dessert: Ordered the cheese pie and was not disappointed. Like everyone else said, so light and yummy. Banana Caramel Creme pie was a little to heavy for me after the cheese pie and the peach/blueberry pie just wasn't all that special. Service was stellar. All in all, an incredible meal but the standout dishes for me was the panko crusted tomato salad and the cheese pie. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Rhoda B.
Not only were we four women seated immediately upon arrival at our reservation time, but when we inquired about whether separate checks were possible we were pleasantly surprised by the "yes, of course". Free to order with abandon, 1 of us ordered a huge lobster with wine, I ordered a cocktail with a scallops special, and the other 2 ordereded water with their dishes. The scallops, ordered in different recipes by 3 of us, we're superb. The hot rolls were possibly the best I've had and the oyster crackers with horseradish at the center of the table were a treat. I selected this restaurant because I'd had a good experience at Dock's at Dover Downs, but this place was even better. I only wish I lived close enough to be a regular there!
(5)Windi L.
One of the best restaurants I've ever eaten at! I was very pleased with my recent trip to Dock's both with their service as well as the QUALITY of their food. Everything is very, very, VERY fresh and has flavor (nothing bland). Earlier we had stopped by the Borgata and had some oysters (we love them) but the oysters here were AMAZING! I have never had such fresh tasting oysters in my life. Clearly the folks here at Dock's have the hook up for the best seafood in Atlantic City, if not the entire universe. In addition to oysters we had their specials: Scallops over risotto and the history been-on-the-menu-forever dish Fish Fry. HOLY SMOKES!! YUMMY OVERLOAD! I've never had scallops so flavorful and the fish fry was an upscale take on my favorite comfort food. The waitress was so helpful in helping me decide. I'm happy I listened to her advice! I also had the asparagus soup which I can honestly say I will crave for the rest of my life. For desert we had the Joe's cheese pie and rhubarb/Strawberry pie. Again, the most amazing deserts we've ever had. The cheese pie was very fluffy and the crust was DIVINE! :-) The rhubarb was so fresh - I've never had it so sweet before! Try their desert martinis. Yet ANOTHER reason this place is so awesome! I must also add that while this is an upscale establishment, I truly feel their prices are reasonable. A must for anyone going to Atlantic City who wants to avoid lame Casino food!
(5)Alisa M.
great little seafood place a few blocks from casino strip. Nice atmosphere, reasonable prices, good service. If you're looking for a very nice meal but not in one of the casinos, this is the place. There is something for everyone. I had the oysters rockefellar and seared ahi with slaw over veggies and rice.
(4)Tye C.
Excellent food and atmosphere! We will be back (just have to save up some money for the next visit).
(5)Shirley F.
If you like Oysters, Raw Bars and Classic Speakeasy-Nostalgia-like bars, this is the place to go. A recent Inquirer article did a tour of AC bars and somehow skipped this place. Ive never had a bad drink here and never had a bad meal; a rarity today. But the place is for oysters-fastest shucker Ive ever seen and always a huge selection from all over the country. Bottom line its a great place. Id advise reservations for sit down or get there at 530pm at the latest in the summer for a spot at the bar.
(5)Elena E.
Amazing old school place. Made reservations for my b/d thru an Open table. Had to change for 2 days later due to the bad weather. We arrived early and parked, yes they have their own parking lot, valet parking, no charge, just a tip. We came at 5:00, by 5:30 or so the place was packed. We started with the oysters, great selection. Ordered raw and Oyster Rockefeller, raw are very fresh and great presentation, service was outstanding too, brought by an experienced waiter, who explained everything. Menu is very extensive and they also had nice specials too. Main course, i ordered a potato crusted flounder, great and my husband got a special of the day - Halibut with veggies and crab meat, wonderful taste and presentation. We didn't really had any room for desert, but got it anyway - a cream Brule and a key lime pie, yummy. Doc's is a 100year old establishment and now we know why!!!
(5)William J.
Came here on a recommendation from Mom while we were on vacation in Ocean City, NJ. After eating here, I would definitely make a drive from Philly to eat here again. One of the best seafood restaurants I have encountered, really top notch in all aspects. We started with a dozen oysters, all very fresh, excellent. I had a fresh NJ tomato salad which everybody loved. The fried version was ordered by the other couple and was also excellent. The beet and mandarin orange salad was just OK and the sole disappointment. Two of us had the soft shell crab, sauteed, which was really spot on. My wife had the ahi tuna entree which was cooked medium, as she ordered it (unfortunately) but was still quite tasty. The last entree was the scallops which was also quite good. Finished with the banana cream pie which was just about perfect. Great service as well. Overall a great place in an unusual location, far better than any similar place in Philly.
(5)Angela V.
6 of us went here for a bachelorette dinner this past weekend. We were late for our reservation and even though the place was packed, we were greeted politely and seated right away. Our waiter recommended the scallops over risotto special and the fried oysters app, both were outstanding! The waiter was kind enough to take many group shots for us. I hope to go here again soon.
(5)Jen T.
The BEST. The one and only place I want to eat whenever I"m down in AC. The restaurant serves upscale food without all the pretentiousness. It is on the pricier side but for obvious reasons. It's definitely worth treating yourself every once and a while. The oysters are so fresh and delicious, just waiting to be shucked and devoured by you. I have tried their seafood entrees, like the seared scallops and pan roasted halibut. Yummy. Have yet to try any of their steaks but definitely planning on it. Service was fantastic, so friendly, helpful, and informed. Our waitress gave us excellent recommendations. Back in January, The hostess saw us come there by taxi. When we got our check and paid, a cab was waiting for us right outside the restaurant. That was so sweet of her! 5 stars!
(5)Antonio B.
Ambiance was perfect . The drinks were excellent the service was fantastic . The ceviche is awesome along with the seafood tower.
(5)Sally B.
Celebrated my son's 30th birthday here this past weekend. We had an 8:00 reservation and we were not seated until 8:25 and I will admit I was not happy about that, however it was well worth it. We started with fried calamari, oysters Rockefeller and a dozen raw oysters. The calamari was fresh and delicious and the my husband and daughter-in-law said the oysters were perfection. For dinner my daughter-in-law and I shared the red snapper and scallops. We advised our waiter (who was excellent) that we were going to share and when it was served the kitchen had it split up for us. Let me just say it was one of the best meals I have every had. It was absolutely delicious. My husband and son had steak, a cowboy rib eye and a New York strip and they both agreed they were far superior than Ruth Chris. The cowboy rib eye came with French fries that were delicious. The waiter explained that they are done in a 3 step process and as I am writing this I wish a plate of them in front of me. If in Atlantic City you have to visit Docks and for sure we will be back.
(5)Bennett W.
There are many 5 star reviews for Dock's and I agree with them. The food was delicious. The service was personal and very attentive. I had the evening's special: a fluke (flounder) prepared with a medley of fresh vegetables. Others had salmon and crab cakes - I tasted each and they were all terrific. My only caveat to anyone who hasn't been to Dock's before: understand that it's expensive the immediate neighborhood (for a block or two) is a little sketchy. That said, it was worth the price and I didn't feel uncomfortable walking in from my parking lot several blocks away.
(5)Ingrid W.
I came here with my parents for my birthday. Whule waiting, we had some drinks atbthe bar, and the bartender was stellar! He made the best vidka gimlet my ither has ever had! Whrn we sat down fod food, our waitress was also amazing, best service I have ever received. My sister is allergic to many foods, she mentioned one fo them in an offhand manner, because she wasnt ordering that food, but as it turned out the wiatress was lustenung carefully, as the suacd in her dish was made with beef stock (something she is allergic to), and the wiatress madd sure they did not use it on her plate! We also ordered 2-3lb lobsters, what we got was more likely 5lb lobsters. When we had elftover lobster, and asked for some ice to keep ot chilled, our wiatress informed us they had no bag. She then disappeared for a bit, and returned with a huge tub filled with ice so we could take home our leftovers safely! She was amazing! She was super attentive, and i have never had someone give such amazing servixe in my life! This place has amazing food, excellent service and is worth every penny!
(5)Bill P.
Excellent seafood. I go to AC 4 times a year and my wife and I always eat here. The specials are great. Last time I went I had the swordfish special topped with grilled shrimp over risotto. Incredible dish. Wife had the fluke topped with crab meat over spinach. Just as good Place gets packed so make a reservation.
(5)Stefanie S.
I live in the NYC metro area. This place has better food, prices and service than any other seafood place in NYC that I've eaten in and I have eaten in the finest restaurants not only in NYC but Paris and Italy as well. Just wonderful. Had the clam appetizer. It was so filling, that after dinner, I was overfull like on Thanksgiving. The 2lb lobster was amazing. The oysters, of course, were fresh and perfect. Just go if you're in the area
(5)Candice B.
The food at Dock's is very good, but nothing I have eaten here has changed my life. On my recent visit, I ordered the clam chowder and pan-seared sea scallops. I enjoyed both, though the soup was less chunky than I would have liked, and the scallops were just a tiny bit overdone. The scallops were served with a broccoli raab that was perfectly cooked and had zero bitterness to it. Boyfriend ordered corn and crab chowder, the calamari, and a seafood assortment. The grilled shrimp was the only true standout of the plates. I did not see rainbows and unicorns after my meal, but as far as I'm concerned you do get what you pay for in terms of quality. Now on to the service. The service is, without question, outstanding. This is a staff that can handle a busy crowd. At 7pm on a busy Sunday, we were promptly seated for our reservation after the hostess informed us that a table was being cleared and then offered to hang our coats. She was expert at the comings and goings of diners, making the rounds to check for open tables, handling coats, and managing still to be sociable and friendly. Within seconds of being seated we were approached for drinks, and at no time did I feel as if we waited for anything. Drinks and food were all prompt, and our server checked in just the right amount, offering refills of wine and bread. The ambiance is very classy, with a piano at the front of the house, staff dressed formally, and the lights low enough to provide a romantic mood. Boyfriend and I were dressed up because it was our (belated) anniversary dinner, but there were people in jeans as well, so there is really no dress code.
(4)Daniel E.
You had better get a reservation or be prepared to wait an hour like we did. I will say, the bar is a small but lovely place to wait. However, dinner was one of the best I've had in a long time. One-hundred year old recipes, combined with fresh seafood (especially the oysters) are enough to get me to return.... Next time with a reservation.
(5)Mike D.
Favorite Place in Atlantic City for Dinner! TAKE A CAB there AND Back to your hotel, and Enjoy. SO much better than any of the big bucks places in the casinos.
(5)Jerome Z.
Nice selections of fresh oysters and the cowboy rib eye steak was great.
(4)Courtney R.
An old establishment in AC, and one of the better meals you can get. It was packed and the service was great. Perfect martinis, good, fresh oysters. The seafood dishes were okay--probably on par with Kinkead's in D.C. Warning: do not eat the oyster crackers/balls/whatever the hell they are in the goblets on the table.
(4)Art F.
Excellent seafood house and great service; comp valet parking
(5)J M.
I made reservations here for 3 on a Tuesday night. It was Tuesday which was nice because it wasn't packed. In terms of inside the place is white table cloth type of nice, but I didn't feel underdressed in jeans and a polo. I would also like to say that the service and staff were very attentive and polite. For an appetizer I had the half dozen oyster sampler, which I thought was quite good. I try oysters almost anywhere I go and was pretty happy with the oysters being fresh and tasty. In terms of locations of the oysters they were from MA, NJ, and VA. Now for the entree I was extremely tempted to order seafood, but decided to go with the rack of lamb. I love lamb and was extremely happy with the cook (rare), portion size and flavor. They added frites which I really like with the meal. Overall I would definitely return/recommend. Granted it's a little pricey but they definitely don't short change you with your portions.
(4)Brooke R.
Walking into Dock's is walking into a 1940's movie set. Piano player who only plays show tunes, a wrap around bar and the wait staff dress in white butcher coats, vests and ties. The hubby and I stopped here on a whim needing our oyster fix for the start of the Labor Day weekend activities. The free parking was great and the bartender was assertive. They had a selection of the traditional drinks like the sidecar, dirty martini, etc. I really like the whole "keeping with the time" feel. We sat at the raw bar which then got us quite irked as the shucker disappeared 2x for a total of 20 minutes and we were waiting to order oysters and had questions since they had 10 different kinds which was fabulous. When he finally returned we ordered 2 oysters of every kind and wanted to know info about them. The shucker seemed reluctant to talk to us which was ashamed because we love to know the background of the oysters since we are huge fans and always go to many oyster bars! They had great horseradish sauce and many of he oysters were delicious and we had barely any shells. My first drink was overloaded with sugar so I ordered a Cosmo was again poor since they don't use real juices. For dropping $110 for oysters and drinks the service and the drinks should have been better. We decided after that we left to go to dinner somewhere else and not order from the main menu.
(3)Fatty D.
Ka-POW!!! There were 5 of us and we were sat at a much more comfortable table than the first visit. Lips was in his fashion galaxy tonight, always Gucci, with Louie Shoes. You can't go wrong in a black and white ensemble. There was a contracted photographer as we got out of the car. We really weren't in the mood to be photoed for whatever fashion magazine of the moment! We started off with Oysters. They were superb. Exactly what the waitress, Helene stated. She knew her craft and did a nice job. The Clam Chowder was more of a clam stew, very thin. Wasn't a favorite. Entrees: Soft shell Crabs. Quite enjoyable. Scallops in a Cream Sauce, very enjoyable Steak - Nicely prepared, also enjoyed Stuffed Flounder, small portion, taste good. Portion could have been more generous Salmon - my guest played it safe and stated it was very good. 360 including tip One major draw back...THE NOISE is deafening in the place and makes it challenging to have a decent conversation! Fatty says, "thumbs up."
(4)Gary C.
An ATLANTIC CITY ICON that will Never Disappoint you! The Place to go for the Freshest Seafood and Local Produce Served to you in an Intimate, Cozy, Setting. We Started with The Oyster Sampler. a Fresh, Juicy assortment of several different varieties of delicious Raw Oysters. We then had the Fried Calamari. It Literally melted in your mouth! The Wine Selection was very good and the prices were reasonable. The main course did not Disappoint! Fresh Seared Sea Scallops, Juicy and Sweet served with Fresh Spinach with Olive Oil and Garlic. I had a selection from one of the Original Menu Items. The Docks Seafood Fry. Tender Juicy Shrimp, An Unbelievable Crab Cake, Fresh Flounder, all Fried Perfectly and Lightly with Panko Bread Crumb! We also had the Fried Beets (I strongly Suggest), as a side dish. Thinly grated Beets, Sweet and Crunchy. Desert was a real delight. Home Made Banana Cream Pie with a White Flaky Crust! Absolutely Delicious. Live Piano Music played in the Background by a Talented Piano Player. Do NOT waste your Time and Money at a Casino Restaurant, or BLAND BUFFET, When you can be treated to a real SEAFOOD EXPERIENCE! ENJOY!
(4)Steve G.
The selection of the fish and seafood options is superb! I could not decide what to get and must go back. This place reminds me of Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach - high quality, well prepared, identifiable dishes with special attention to details. We were seated immediately for our reservation on Father's day, listened to nice piano background music, greeted by our pleasant and cheerful waitress, and served by some very well trained staff. I read review that this place is loud but my experience was not very bad considering my father wears a hearing aid and often has trouble in very loud restaurants. For starters we had an appetizer assortment of grilled shrimp, oyster rockefeller, and clams casino. Each was perfect and the oysters were some of the best I ever had. Clam chowder was a delightful and rich, yet light, rendition with gorgeous fresh flavors of leek, chives, clam liquor, and a hint of bacon (not the roux thickened gloppy type of chowder). A nice beet and greens salad accented with goat cheese and candied pecans could have used a few more beets for my preference. The diver sea scallops entree had four large sweet scallops that were perfectly pan fried. The risotto accompaniment was good, but not great, and the rice did not look like arborio and more like long grain. This was served with a generous amount of sugar snap peas that were crisp tender and very fresh. Crab cakes were made with large lump crab meat chunks with very little filler and lightly pan fried. I do prefer a more substantive coating to get some crispy exterior contrast, although the fresh, clean, and sweet flavor of the crab meat did shine through. My dessert choice was their cheese cake pie that was like a whipped cheese pie, not a dense cheesecake, with a buttery cookie crumb crust, that could become a new craving. Frankly, I can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes. My 75 year old father loved everything he had and this foodie was very well satisfied.
(5)Albert C.
I have been to this restaurant about 20 times. In my opinion, the best restaurant in AC hands down. The seared tuna encrusted with wasabi makes my mouth water. The selection of oysters and the freshness of the oysters are outstanding. So many great dishes to choose from the corn and crabmeat soup to the tuna tartar. Do yourself a favor and go to the best in AC.
(5)Ryan M.
Just got back from my first trip to AC and no doubt, Dock's was the highlight of the entire trip. Yea, a little pricey, but hey, welcome to AC. We walked in without a reservation on a sunday night and only had to wait about 10 minutes for a table for 2. The bartenders were friendly and casual, real nice guys who both introduced themselves to us by their first names and shook my hand. Classy. We sat down and our waiter was very friendly, attentive (yet not overbearing), and knowledgeable about all the specials and items on the menu. We started with a sampler of half a dozen oysters which were all chilled perfectly, very delicious. My girlfriend's first time eating oysters and she liked them. And some very delicious freshly cooked sesame seed rolls, always a nice touch to get some free bread while you wait for the main course. I ordered the soft-shell crab with black bean/corn salsa and grilled asparagus. When the waiter said that no one in the world prepared Soft Shell Crab like they do, he wasn't kidding. Definitely one of the best prepared seafood dishes I've ever eaten. The crab was perfectly cooked and seasoned, fried yet somehow not greasy at all. Absolutely perfect paired with the sweetness of the salsa and asparagus. Two thumbs up, I doubt I'll ever have soft shell crab as good as that until I revisit Dock's. My gf got the scallops from the menu, served with mashed potatoes, broccoli rabe, and roasted tomatoes. I tasted one of the scallops and they were also perfectly prepared, seared medium brown on the outside, juicy and firm on the inside, tasted great with the bitter broc and sweet tomatoes. The main course was done with and our waiter noticed I had finished my Guinness. He was very perceptive and friendly and asked if I was a fan of dark beers, to which I replied absolutely. He recommended the Aventinus, a bach with hints of banana and chocolate which I'd never tasted before. Somehow, telepathically, he knew we were going to try the dessert special, Banana Cream Pie, and the beer recommendation sealed the deal. We ordered both and they were great together. The banana cream pie was huge, definitely enough for 2 people to share, and the beer was delicious, a great pairing recommendation. We both left with smiles on our faces, walked off the alcohol for a couple hours, and came back to get our car from the valet, who was still guarding it for us. Perfect meal, definitely the best place in AC.
(5)Kevin C.
This was amazing! Do your self the favor and splurge on anything that you think sounds amazing. Because I promise you it is! Even if you dont see exactly what you want on the menu. Just ask and they will make it happen. At least they did on my visit. Food and atmosphere are both amazing. A must try.
(5)Sean D.
Good food, good wine. Pass on the calamari, but def try the steamers.......
(4)Bonnie P.
This place has amazing seafood! They had great service and their food was delicious (in particular, the crab meat saute, banana caramel pie, and clams)! The place was packed on a Saturday night so it's a good idea to make reservations. The only thing I disliked was my drink, the nucky, which was way too strong for my taste.
(5)Nick V.
Wow, fantastic! Had reservations for 7:15. Were directed to the bar. We were greeted and served immediately. It was busy but the staff took the extra 2 seconds to be personable, much appreciated. We were shortly seated, and water appeared. We had a small wait but the server came by and told us the specials. We just looked at each other with amazement. She made every dish sound great. I dont believe we were told the price but you can figure it's going to be at least $30. We had: Caesar with crab - excellent Fluke special in the most delicious broth and spinach and tomato and garlic. All I can say is i could off this heathy treat. Pecan crusted salmon - cooked perfect. The pican glaze worked with this type of fish. My girlfriend ate all of it, she usually takes half home. I ended up taking half of my flounder due to the size of the portion. A great dish to share with the table. Broccoli Rabe in oil and garlic. Tender and not bitter. I order this often and would have to say on the top of the scale. Great experience. We kept saying " i cant believe how good this tastes" the food was so good I would go back for any reason and forgive any other flaws, of which being too popular and very crowded seemed to be the only issue. So, don't tell anyone you read this.
(5)David S.
Dock's is a classic special occasion restaurant. The service here is absolutely top notch. Professional waiters who have been trained incredibly. Their knowledge of the menu and the specials clearly show that they know food, have tasted everything and can recommend based on your likes. In addition, they are good at recommending wine pairings, a rare thing these days. The food quality matches the service quality. Seafood is fresh, wonderfully prepared and a real treat. Restaurant is small and intimate. Decor is classy club feel. Despite the level of this restaurant, dress ranges from sport coat to jeans. I recommend a reservation in the busy season. Be prepared for city prices, but you are getting excellent quality for that.
(5)Steve J.
This place is fantastic! I loved everything I ate. I went here based on my desire for seafood and the great reviews. Our service was great, the food was amazing, and it had a really classy atmosphere too. We got one of soft shell crab specials (sauteed in garlic over corn salsa) and the scallop special. GET THEM! My Bailey's chocolate moose desert was to die for also. I did feel at little under-dressed even though Yelp lists the place as casual, I would recommend not going in jeans and a T-shirt (I had jeans and a polo shirt on) you might feel a little out of place. I really like how this place is not associated with a casino either. Go here if you want a great seafood dining experience.
(5)Jason E.
I've been meaning to write this review since October of 2009. I wanted to take my wife out to dinner for her 30th birthday and heard rave reviews about Docks. Well... After making a reservation days in advance the night of my wife's birthday I received a phone call from them asking "could come in a little earlier because it was raining." I said no and they then told me they were closing early. WOW. Thankfully we found a reservation for dinner at the Borgota. I'll never go to this place ever. Don't plan on a nice night if it's cloudy... they'll cancel on you!
(1)Dave W.
I travel for a living an get to try various decent restaurants across the country while on the road. I read about Docks on Yelp so I figured, while doing some work in Atlantic City, I have to stop by this place and try it out. I stopped by on a Thursday night at 7:30pm. No waiting for a table. As far as the meal: All I have to say is I had one of the top five best meals I've ever eaten. I ordered the special, which was recommended by the waiter: pan seared scallops over Parmesan risotto in a butter cream sauce. Fresh ingredients and delicious. Based on the meal I had tonight I can only think that the other meals are just as delicious. Service was great: drinks were refilled without asking, manager came by to ask how my meal was... I was treated well. Great food... good service... decent price... how can this place not get my recommendation?
(5)Leonor Q.
I took my Boyfriend here for his 28th Birthday , and i could not have picked a better place.. From the waiter all the way through dessert simply a great experience. The oysters were GREAT, the food incredible I had the scallop special with lobster sauce and it was SUPER DELICIOUS and my Bf had the jumbo fluke special which was SUPER DELICIOUS as well... Oh and i had a very tasty Asian pear martini and to my luck i only had one, two of those and i would of had a hard time getting up from the table :) And in the end banana cream pie :) yea u better believe it was good and the table next to us had also some very good desserts from the look of it....Overall i give this place a 5 STAR because it was worth it from the staff to the food ... I would pick this place over any restaurant in the casinos. A MUST TRY !!!
(5)Rob R.
Dock's is flat out awesome. This was my first experience and on a busy Friday night during the summer Dock's did not disappoint. The old school feel was actually quite nice compared to some of the more expensive options offered by Casino dining. I had the red snapper topped with crabmeat, it was lightly battered and fried, and it was exactly what I was hoping for...not too mention that the peice of fish was huge. The appetizer medley was good, but I'm probably go for more oysters or something more exciting next time. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly, I honestly can't wait for an excuse to go back!
(5)Lori L.
One of my favorite restaurants. Consistently great food and service. We come here every time we go to Atlantic City.
(5)Jimmy C.
Very good seafood. I tried the special King Crab pie! The BBQ calamari for appetizer is recommended too.
(4)Christianne R.
This place has unbelievable service and outrageously good food!! Try the fried oysters if you want to be in heaven. The place was packed, but not claustrophobic. They had a piano bar going, and everyone including the other customers were incredibly sweet. We went for my sister's bridal shower. Had no problem booking for a large group (a couple of weeks in advance) and were thrilled with the choice. I recommend this restaurant to any and everyone who might be heading to A.C. Old school, classy joint.
(5)Will K.
Came down to AC with a group of ten guys for a bachelor party/outing. For the big dinner, we came to Docks. It was a busy weekend night, so we spent some time in the bar area while waiting for our table. While waiting, we were entertained by their piano man, whose set included the requisite rendition at 9PM of the Billy Joel classic. Despite the seafood focus of the restaurant, most of us ended up ordering steaks. The steaks in general were definitely above average for steakhouse steaks. I ordered mine to share with my brother, but for some reason, our rib eye (medium rare) came out butterflied and definitely not medium-rare. Easily fixed, you would think, considering that the steak was so brutalized, but we had to call over the manager/owner to get this one settled since the waiter thought it was obvious that we would want our steak prepared that way. The second steak was delicious, though. Another remarkable item were these french fried potatoes. Delightfully crisp on the outside and served in a paper cone with stainless steel holder. But the amazing part was that they were hollow on the inside. I'm not sure how they do that, but I've been wanting to go back mostly to get these again. Unfortunately, the last time I tried, they were closed that day (some holiday Monday or Sunday) But definitely want to go back.
(4)Marie G.
On reading reviews of this place on Yelp, I decided to make reservations here. The bad: We were put in a cramped little table where people were constantly squeezing past. Service was okay, not great. The good: The food was amazing! The wasabi tuna was just heavenly! If you're okay with spotty service for some excellent fare, then check this place out!
(4)C. N.
Been here during vacation, a nice oyster house with nice history. Food (4/5) Oysters fresh and sauce well prepared, with a glass full of interesting oyster crackers; seared red snapper was creamy and soft, the béarnaise sauce yummy but a little too rich despite the snapper being a lean fish Ambience (4/5) ample seating and great for family events, slightly dim Service (5/5) very friendly and attentive, offering good wine recommendations
(4)Tom N.
One of AC for redeeming value and there is not a whole for AC to redeem about. Dock's is one of my old time favorite place in a crap hole that is AC. They features FRESH seafood and specials like you would not believe. The menu is always changing and very refreshing. I had the Australian fish special and it was to die for. Although they are known for their seafood, their steaks are nothing to sneeze at. Their high quality food can only be matched by the service and attention they give to each guest. So our business affair always goes smoothly.
(4)Leroy M.
We have visited twice, the last time without reservations. Food has been excellent and service pleasant. seating is a little tight in some areas and the bathrooms are up a flight of stairs so it may to be handicap friendly. They may have alternative. Parking is on sight.
(5)a g.
great restaurant with interesting history. cannot say enough good things about our waiter, ivan. he was interesting, super helpful, and incredibly friendly.
(4)Evan S.
Fantastic seafood place, from the service to the decor to the food. We had a warm beet salad with goat cheese, a fried tomato salad, and two orders of a diver scallop special. All were truly wonderful-
(5)Kimberlee D.
Great service, cute ambiance, and fantastic food. The wine list was a little limited, but overall a great experience.
(4)Dave L.
Solid menu, great service, nice ambiance. Found it by accident last year on vacation and came back a year later. I couldn't resist.
(5)TJ N.
Do not go here on an empty stomach unless you like your meals served with a side of front desk attitude and deception. We spent the night waiting and waiting. We arrived at 8:30 for a 9 PM Open Table reservations. We asked if there was a chance we might be seated early. The hostess said yes. BIG MISTAKE. At 9, we saw the list and they were still sitting parties of 2 with 8:30 reservations! 30 minutes late could have been tolerated until they sat a walk-in party of 8 at 9:15 by combining 4 smaller tables. Despite being the first of four 2 party reservations to check- in, we were the third party to be seated.... at 9:55! And we only got a table because a party of 4 (also with 9:00 PM reservations) left disgusted at 9:45. If we thought we could have gotten walk-in seating at Ruth's Chris, we would have left. Don't dine here unless you come already full. This might be an AC "must do" but not on a busy night. The oysters and clams were very fresh and worth the money. The rest of the dining experience should be skipped. The entrees we had (crab meat sauté, wasabi tuna) were too salty. The beer on tap was very flat. It was not the same Schneider Weisse I had in Berlin.
(1)Kyle B.
The highlight of our trip to Atlantic City, Dock's Oyster House is a small family owned restaurant. We stumbled upon it while searching for some place to eat seafood. The restaurant had private parking (valet a must) which was nice because the area it was in did not seem to be the greatest. That could have been my overall feel of Atlantic City though. The staff were very friendly with us and very knowledgeable of the specials of the day, which was a long winded list of items. One of which I ordered, the halibut. The table has "bread balls" (for lack of a better name) that were accompanied by horseradish. Not knowing at the time what this yellowish relish looking thing was on the table, I helped to myself to a heaping mound of it. Stuffy nose no more as everything was burned away. It was a quick burn and then tame again so it was delicious. We just kept going back for more. We first ordered the tuna tartar which is the best tuna tartar either of us have had. It was the largest portion we've ever had and it was much more flavorful as well. Definitely a must if you enjoy tuna. My entree was the halibut which was excellent. I am not much of a fish eater but I ate every bite I could and enjoyed every one. It was very large however and I could not finish it. My wife ordered the crab meat sauté which was basically crab legs but they do all the work for you. Again the size was rather large and my wife could not finish it all. There were several items on the menu that were tempting so this is a place we could go to over and over, if it were only someplace other than Atlantic City.
(5)M W.
Fresh fish, great selection, good quantities, excellent service - not rushed at all. So much better than restaurants on the Boardwalk. Piano player at bar nice touch.
(5)Dan H.
I went here on an AC trip. It seemed like the place to go for seafood. It didn't disappoint either. They've been open forever and we could see why. The interior was nice, they've clearly had some renovations over the years. The service was attentive and friendly. The food was great, I had some broiled scallops and they were cooked perfectly. They have a big list of daily specials, and some of the stuff sounded good, but I didn't try anything. I would go back if I'm ever in AC again. Make sure to get a reservation. This place gets SLAMMED in a hurry.
(4)Joyce M.
I'm so happy Yelp helped me find this place! The 5 star reviews are correct... one of the best seafood restaurants I've ever been to. The waiters are very friendly and knowledgeable about the food. Oysters were incredible. Swordfish special, red snapper AND desserts equally incredible. The neighborhood is NOT bad, only one block up from the casinos...AND it has a valet lot right next door.
(5)Jennifer M.
This is how a restaurant should be run. Food aside, consider this as a well oiled machine of hospitality. If you are wondering how the front of house should be run, come take a look at Doc's. I only wish most restaurants knew their secret. Food considered, you get fresh ingredients that are all "loved up" by the kitchen. Tradition is important but not if it means being out of touch with the seasons. Doc's is packed every night and with good reason. It's not cheap, but what you get for the money is a fair value. I just love this place.
(4)Craig L.
Never had a better soft shelled crab anywhere
(5)Matt D.
Very good food, service was the best that I had in a long time. We were lucky that we have a large table or the seating is a little close together.
(4)T K.
Stuck to the specials and were plsantly surprised. Glad we came. Dinner and dessert, with one app and no booze, was 92.00 without tip. As we reside in a tourist area, the cost was typical. Good, fresh seafood. We will return.
(4)Jason D.
I go every year without fail. It is always tremendous. It pre-dates Boardwalk Empire. It's the real deal Holyfield. Just classic, wonderful and a delicious step back into fine seafood dining.
(5)Janice D.
Have been there twice in recent weeks. Loved it both times. Their onion rings are the best I've ever had. The crab caesar salad was a big hit, as was the fried calamari. Had the scallops the first time and it was like they had just arrived from the ocean. The oysters were wonderful. Highly recommend.
(5)A K.
This place is absolutely fabulous. The service is top notch, the food is out of this world, the whole historical place is just not to be missed. Prior to visiting AC I asked a friend if I should eat at Dock's and she said it was tired. I read the reviews here @ Yelp and decided to try it based on the wonderful things written here. WOW! So glad we had dinner at Dock's! My only regret is that it wasn't our first night because otherwise I would have eaten dinner here both nights. Really. Everything was fantastic, but I can personally recommend the new england clam chowder (comes with clams in the shell - very cool presentation) and perfect creamy chowder. The fried tomates with goat cheese were AWESOME. I had a salmon special that was outstanding and plan to return to try two other dishes - potato wrapped and pecan crusted fish dishes. You will not regret eating here. It is one of my all time favorites! Thank you Yelpers for finding Dock's for me!
(5)Scooter G.
Dock's was fantastic. Great cucumber martini, great service, great oysters & great lobster. Everything was cooked very well and brought out promptly. More upscale inside than i expected after reading reviews. But it is also relaxed. We wore jeans and felt completely comfortable. Didn't feel too crowded or cramped at all, although our initial table was a little small if we were ordering lobster so they moved us without us saying anything. They had delicious-sounding specials as well, but we stuck to our favorites. Definitely a nice change from going to old homestead or similar. And you feel like you're helping the city by going someplace out of the casinos. Thanks, yelpers! UPDATE: we went back again recently & the lobster was even better than we remembered. the service was again fantastic. Really, this place is great. Why are you eating at the casinos, people?? So i've upped my review to five.
(5)Brian M.
Great atmosphere, and wonderfully fresh seafood and oysters, A co-worker and I went here rather than eat at the casinos and just had a spectacular dinner, a bit pricey but still very good, We had some oysters, the tuna tar tar, softshell crabs and the fish fry and split everything so we could try a good bit and it was just great. There is a good reason this place has survived for over 100 years and it is not the location.
(5)E R.
My wife and I were here during Restaurant Week - March 3, 2011. Service was great. Restaurant crowded. Everybody having fun. Good drinks. Food good. No AC so a bit warm inside. Now...the "famous" clam chowder...really? It is the worst New England Clam Chowder we have ever had. Sorry. Watery, little flavor and very few clams. Also, I had the flounder stuffed with crab which was quite good. Only problem was it was served sitting in a bowl of the clam chowder! Are you crazy?
(3)Mike D.
Been coming to AC for years and have always stayed within the casinos for dining out, but based on all the reviews, i wanted to try it. What a wonderful place! I had the 2lb lobster and my girlfriend had the scallops, both dishes were delicious! I started with the oysters and they were very fresh. Of course without great service, the food only means so much- and great service there was. Enjoy this establishment, we will be back.
(5)Michael E.
Excellent. Classic NJ Steakhouse feel with a shorline accent. Great service, top notch food and a pleasant atmosphere. That said, the asparagus soup special tasted more like butter and cream than asparagus, but I liked it anyway.
(4)Jp B.
This is a one of a kind place, very old, and the same family has been running it since the 1890's I think. As soon as you walk in you'll see the beautiful display of oysters and clams on ice. It's definitely a well heeled crowd from Philly and New York which is pretty cool. The raw bar is spectacular, and the menu has alot of traditional seafood dishes, all of which are really tasty. I had the surf and turf and the lobster tail was absolutely HUGE! The waiter told me it was a spiny Australian lobster tail. Seriously, I couldn't finish it and I haven't found too many food items I couldn't finish. The only downside to this place is it's size; it's tiny. But if you're in AC check this place.
(5)Bruce G.
You read all the reviews and probably say to yourself "can this place really be that good?" I didn't believe it until I went there this past weekend. It is as good as everyone says it is! From start to finish it could not have been better. We went there with a group of 11 to celebrate a 50th birthday and the host staff was very helpful all around as was the waitstaff. This place ranks in my top 10 easily. The scallops were great as were the soft shell crabs. Desserts from banana cream pie to key lime pie were also tasty. I am in AC at least 10 times a year and I have passed by this place all those times but never thought to go there, but now I cannot see going to AC without going there!!!
(5)Jenn R.
So fantastic! I made a reservation for my granmas 89th bday and online requested a quieter spot. After parking for free (on a weekday, not sure on weekends), we were greeted promptly and the hostess immediately wished her a happy bday which made her smile. They escorted us to a private enclave and my family felt like royalty. The food (crab cakes, crab stuffed flounder, pecan crusted salmon and sides) was fabulous. Total bill after food for four, a drink each and tip was still under $200 (barely) which I felt was totally worth every penny and I'd spend it again in a heartbeat at docks for the atmo, food and service. What was SO stellar about it tho (and worthy of me taking time out of my busy day) was the service. I know some of the reviews were sketchy on service but WILL (his name, not an adverb) was exceptional. My beau and I eat out a lot and we are pretty hard nosed critics on service, but WILL was fabulous! He was attentive without being overbearing. He was SPOT ON with all my requests (sauce on the side, light on oils, etc.). A seasoned veteran at docks for +7yrs, he will ensure your visit is memorable. My granma lives in assisted living now and when she is out, she can be a bit... Chatty. WILL listened not only patiently but conveyed genuine interest. I would highly recommend Docks for any special or humdrum occasion and I would absolutely request WILL as your server. Truly top notch. Thanks!!!
(5)Larissa S.
wonderful restaurant!! after horrible service at amada, we figured we'd give dock's a try due to the great reviews. best decision ever. the food was wonderful, laid back atmosphere and the service was amazing. first, the drinks were great. the pomegranate pear martini was delicious and STRONG. using grey goose was a nice touch as well. i tried the house salad which was pretty large and a good start. i had a swordfish special for my entree, which was served on a tomato risotto with a tomato cream sauce and 2 grilled jumbo shrimp. delicious- i cleaned my plate. the lobster tail was good, but i honestly thought my swordfish was better. we shared the flourless chocolate cake for dessert. very interesting, not dense as it usually is and was a nice change from the standard cake. prices are a little high, but it's to be expected with fresh seafood and large portions. the staff and kitchen are familiar with gluten free and can modify/make suggestions on the dishes!
(4)todd w.
great seafood resturant in Atlantic City. Skip the overprice commercialize resturants at the Ceasar or one of those in the casino lobby. I had the seafood samplers for appetizer. Oyster and Clams were as fresh as it get. King crab legs was delicious. The crabmeat is sweet unlike those from Phillips Seafood which was probably frozen. Btw, Phillips crab legs was $41 and the superior quality crabs legs from Dock's was $31. Dock's will be the only resturant I dine in from now on whenever I'm in Atlantic City.
(5)m s.
If your in AC and want good food skip all the casino restaurants!!! I came here a couple years ago looking for a big lobster...WOW..the server took me in the kitchen and i picked out my own 5 pounder! $75 is cheap compared to a 3 pounder at the old homestead in Borgata- $90...Service is perfect...as well, when you walk in you see a Raw Ice bar with 10 diff kinds of oysters and clams!! they make you feel like family on your first trip...my girlfriend gets soft shells sauteed and shes obsessed...I eat out a lot and Docks is my favorite place on Earth!!! I usually get a lobster but i have had several other entrees in the 15 times i have eatin here since i found this place 4 years ago.. Everything is Great..John the bartender is awesome as well as the staff..Eat here and you will never go anywhere else while your in AC- beleive me
(5)Megs T.
Love this place! Yes you may wait past your reservation and yes it can be loud but it is all worth it. Every time we come to the shore to visit family the husband and I always take a night out alone here. No matter the season. The raw bar is fantastic and the staff gives the most accurate descriptions of the choices. All in all a great spot.
(5)Diana A.
Still the best seafood ever - don't miss the Crispy Wasabi Tuna (sushi grade deliciousness). And Joe's Cheese Pie is on my list of top 3 desserts of all time. I had to deduct one star because the tables are so close together, it's loud because it's always packed, and you can't linger for too long as the next group is always waiting for a table.
(4)RB B.
This past Saturday evening was my first time here and I had such a fabulous meal that I can't wait to return. We had a reservation at 8, and despite a packed house, we were promptly seated. It took a few minutes for the waiter to come over (and we did have to ask another server for bread after we ordered) but other than that, our waiter was pretty attentive for the rest of the evening. We ordered the appetizer special: thick slices of Jersey tomato, spread with goat cheese, covered in Panko and fried until crispy, served over mixed greens and drizzled with basil oil. It was a perfect combination of creamy and crispy, hot and cool. Heaven. For my entree, I had the sauteed red snapper served over a demi-glace, topped with jumbo lump crab(huge lumps, and very generous!) and drizzled with tarragon beurre blanc. So rich and decadent. My boyfriend had the tuna, dusted in panko served over sti-fried veg and Jasmine rice with a lovely garlicky sauce. Portions were huge. I had enough for 3 meals. Wonderful hot rolls fresh from the oven. Unfortunately, we were too full for dessert, but everything on the dessert menu looked fantastic! Everything was fresh, fresh, fresh. Even though we didn't have anything from the raw bar, or any shellfish, you can tell that this is your classic, old-school seafood and fish restuarant!
(5)Lesly S.
After researching nicer restaurants in Atlantic City for a group of 8, I came across Dock's, and it was a perfect fit. The restaurant is a nice mix of upscale food and service in a relaxed atmosphere. Seafood is the staple and the variety of fish on the menu is pretty deep, with plenty of turf thrown in. Dock's also has semi-private rooms for groups with advance reservations, so we were able to get our whole group around a nice round table without being stuck in the middle of the place. The wine list is fairly deep with some lesser known but awesome wines--its the only place I've found August Briggs on the East Coast, and when we ordered it the manager stopped by to compliment my taste. Sweet!
(4)Pat W.
Our favorite Atlantic City restaurant. Best seafood around. They have been there since the 1940's and some of their original dishes are still on their menu. Service is AAA. ASK FOR HELEN TO SERVE YOU. She is the absolute best. Reservations very helpful.
(5)Xq B.
In AC, it's probably best. I order shrimp ceviche(ehhh), oysters(superb!), and pan seared crab cake(very solid for the price, if you like crab cakes), hubby got shrimp cocktail, the shrimp was a 7-10 per pounder I think, which was pretty decent size, and the beef and reef, I tasted it a little of each steak and lobster, I don't know if the steak is a prime filet, thinner than what i used to, but cooked very well as a medium rare, and the tail come from at least a 2-3 pound lobster, quite nicely roasted I believe(I steam them at home so I'm pretty sure it's not boiled or steamed). Anyways, it's not the most foodiest town around, but we really enjoyed our time here and the price is better than what you get in other establishments in AC. PS. It was a wednesday prob the slowest night in AC so no wait. Although the room was pretty full.
(4)George R.
Went last night for my 4th dinner there and excellent as usual! Corn chowder soup and oysters, salmon and flounder specials were all great, it's my favorite seafood restaurant and well worth the hour drive!
(5)Alex L.
If you are seeking a location for a large party this is NOT the restaurant for you, the service from A - Z was unbearable. We made our reservation over one month in advance for 14+ and one hour prior to dinner we were called to come in early. A professional organized establishment would NOT call a large party to come early one hour prior to the reserved time. While making the original reservation we spoke with management regarding the best way to approach the check for a large party since some guests enjoy alcohol while others do not, the management suggested separate checks and instructed us to inform our server as soon as we were seated. Our table was ready 25 minutes later than our reserved time, at this time the hostess pointed to the table and it was a free-for-all from that point. We were amazed to not have anyone seat our party or welcome our group. In my error I made the reservation short two folks, luckily the table near us was just about to leave and the restaurant accommodated the two extra seats. About 15-20 minutes after being seated the hostess passed by and I asked if we could please have water and a server. A female server approached the table and loudly asked who is YELLING for water and service......and that was our welcome to the famous Dock's Oyster House. At that point I asked if we could please have separate checks and I was yelled at by the same server and told that they do NOT do this at Dock's. Without going into many more details I did ask the Manager and he agreed that yes separate checks were a possibility, at the end of the meal we were told the 'computer' could not handle this and they could not do separate checks. Keep in mind our group only asked for about five separate checks not 17. With all the great restaurant choices in AC it is highly recommended to visit establishments that are in business to create a nice atmosphere for an enjoyable dinner. Restaurants such as The Palm, Girasole, Forneletto, Back Bay Ale House, Old Homestead, and Carmine's are a few establishments that are in business to take care of their guests and provide great food and a memorable dinner not a stressful experience.
(1)Kang C.
It took me at least 10 years to make my way over to Dock's and I'm glad I finally did! Great personal service! Knowledgeable wait staff. Food prepared deliciously, hot and precise to the description. They use local produce and food if they can and that's great support system for the food industry! A lot of food to eat as well and prices for a seafood/steak house was definitely reasonable! Great raw bar as well! It has valet parking so don't worry about the neighborhood (not the best at night!) Drinks were tasty as well. A nice family owned and operated restaurant in the heart of Atlantic City's mega-buffets and overpriced casino restaurants. Give it try and reservations are defintely recommended! My wife and I had 8:45 reservations on Thursday night and the place was packed!!! We showed up on time and waited about 5 minutes for our table. I guess my only gripe of this place is that it is a bit cramped from table to next table. So if you have a party of big guys be prepared for a tight fit but if it's just you and your intimate companion it's defintely a nice "fit"!
(4)Mathieu B.
Went here the other day and had an incredible meal! First, the atmosphere within makes you forget that you're in A.C. at all. Live piano at the bar, white apron service, old school (circa 1897) steakhouse feel. Yet, the true reason to come here is the amazingly fresh seafood. Malpeque and Blue Point oysters, Oysters Rockefeller, Clams Casino, and grilled shrimp to begin. Followed by Sea Scallops du jour over risotto with a lobster beurre blanc and a 26oz. bone in Ribeye (Cowboy Steak) cooked to a perfect mid-rare and accompanied with grilled veggies and pommes soufflees (think hollowed, airy and crisp french fries. Sides of sauteed mushrooms and Fresh New Jersey asparagus in a light tempura with a parmesan aioli. Total Bliss!! Our server was Jerry, a complete professional that hooked us onto the asparagus like it was a drug by bringing a little taste to our table. Sadly, no room was left for dessert but based on everything else I can only imagine what was missed. A truly exquisite meal that capped off a relaxing visit to Atlantic City! Will be back pronto!
(5)Tony N.
Wow! Just returned from an amazing solo dinner at the bar. The food was great, the personal service was thrilling and the conversation I had with the inspiring piano player Jim Bannach and other guests at the bar will long be remembered. It's a magical place with people I was blessed to meet tonight. Perhaps the most amazing part of the story is that my visit was on a Monday in early March; I had been walking around AC and was in casual clothes when I stopped in, hardly expecting anything special except perhaps a different experience than the casino restaurants. I had a couple glasses of Pinot Noir and a sampler of a dozen assorted oysters (I tend to always say that the oysters I've had most recently were the best ever), white clam chowder (with the whole clams w shells in the soup and large chunks of potato and onion ) and a flute special over spinach. All were superb. It's just great to know that there are places like this still around - where people love their work, love food, drink and music, and love getting to know other people. It's not cheap; figure on over $100 including tips.
(5)Arlene M.
A gem in Atlantic City. Stay away from the casino buffets and come straight to Dock's! This is THE best restaurant in AC that I have been to hands down. We had reservations, but were late so we had to wait in the bar area for a little bit prior to being seated. It was a little crowded but the martinis (so many to choose from!) and the piano bar were both fabulous so we didn't mind. The decor feels like Old New York. Everything was delicioius. We had oysters and the shrimp ceviche for appetizer. For dinner, I had the risotto special. I forget what everyone else ordered but everyone loved every last bite. For dessert we got the banana cream pie and the dessery special which was a berry mango pie. Both excellent and large portions. Our experience, however, would not have been the same without the excellent service that our server provided us. She was friendly, quick, attentive, and knew the menu very well. She also helped us select the perfect wine. Plus even though we were the last customers of the night (we closed the place down!), they did not rush us out at all. Very classy establishment. I will definitely be back to Dock's over and over again!
(5)Adam F.
I have no idea what the food is like at this restaurant because our reservation was not honored. I'm sure it is good, but every restaurant is also defined by the service. This is the first restaurant I have ever been to where I have ever had to wait more than 10-15 minutes for a table to be ready for a reservation. The hostess was completely unprofessional and blatantly lied to us so we wouldn't leave. If the restaurant is overbooked, that is fine, but just be up front and honest so we can alter our evening plans. We arrived right on time for our 8:30pm reservation, and were told it would just be a few minutes. We were skeptical because it was clearly overbooked as people were waiting in the bar/ front entrance area. After a half hour had passed, we were told just a few more minutes. At 9:30pm, we decided to leave because I will not give my hard-earned money to such an unprofessional establishment. Who knows if we would have even eaten before 11pm. Be warned, they will overbook on a Saturday night and your reservation will not be honored. Dock's, you think after so many years in the business you would treat your potential new customers better. Major disappointment.
(1)Lenny K.
While our main courses were very good, I did not feel that the place lived up to the buzz on Yelp and another site. They were out of the wine we ordered. That isn't so bad but they were also out of the chowder that I wanted to order. That is not OK. Also, we felt very rushed. As soon as we finished our salads, our main courses were brought out. Really not OK at all. They also cleaned away the plates after our mains a little too quickly, not waiting for everyone to finish but seemingly hovering around us to swoop in as we each finished out dinners. It was hilarious, in fact, when Gary finished his last lamp chop, put the bone on the plate, and the plate was gone SECONDS later. By the way, when we left, there was no one waiting so I really don't know what the rush was. Our main courses were very good and the portions were large. The beet and goat cheese salad was mediocre at best. If it was just food we were talking about here, I would probably go back. However, the rushed service was a definite turn off for a repeat visit.
(3)H L.
We got lucky and made a last minute dinner reservation. This place is very old school and we loved it. We had everything our waiter suggested and were not disappointed. Order the calamari appetizers and scallops with risotto.
(5)Patricia S.
I've been here twice. Once with friends, all New Yorkers, and because it was wonderful the first time, I took my very Southern family a year later. The quality of service is unsurpassed. They are formal, respectful, but also very friendly. The food is fresh and obviously hand-picked and local where possible. The clam chowder is very good, the Cape May oysters are small and salty/briney and my favorite, the fish and crab entree (sorry, can't remember the full name) is very good and a large portion. The rolls are hot and so deliciously carby! nom nom. Really, everything is delicious. Oh and the valet parking makes it the full package. Well done, Dock's, well done.
(5)Carol H.
I've been wanting to try this place for a long time. We finally made a reservation for Sat., 3/14/15. I should have known that before we even got into the place, it was an omen of bad things to come. First thing, they have valet parking. My husband and I drove into the lot and as we were sitting there waiting for the valet who was nowhere to be found, I looked over and saw a drunk girl with her pants down peeing in the middle of the parking lot....she saw us looking and ran between some cars. When the valet finally came over & got into our car, I was just getting out of the passenger side and saw him gawking in the direction of the girl - I know he was watching her because there is only one way in and out of the lot so he must have let her come in. (There was a St. Patty's party going on in a bar across the street). Alrighty then....so....we go inside and get seated at a table that was right near the hostess stand, bar and foyer. They jam so many seats & tables in there, that my seat was sticking out into the main pathway so that everyone coming into the restaurant to be seated had to pass us and within 5 minutes time, I was hit with numerous purses, elbows, & banged into, and one elderly woman actually used my shoulder as a support as she came in (thankfully I had just put my drink down, otherwise it would have been knocked out of my hand). We asked to be moved, and luckily we were able to get another table (still very cramped - but not as tumultuous). The water server came over to fill our glasses, without even some kind of acknowledgement - like, hello, how are you, whatever....anything but being ignored would have been better. The waitress we had was nice enough - she's been there a long time. I got the feeling as I was sitting there, that most of the waitstaff has been there a long time, and they act like they're just plain bored and going through the motions. My husband and I both had the raw oyster sampler. It was good, but at $12 for 6 oysters, I have had just as excellent fresh oysters elsewhere for half that price, but I figure, it's AC and you're going to be gouged. My main course was scallops - they were supposed to come with broccoli rabe, but I hate broccoli rabe so the waitress offered spinach as a substitution. My scallops were way overcooked and the spinach still had the stems on and was bitter. My husband had the fried oysters, and they were nothing special. After we payed the bill, we went outside in the pouring rain to the parking lot, again, valet was missing. They could have some kind of dry place to stand while waiting for your car. All in all, we would never come back to this place. I really don't understand all the high ratings.
(1)Valerie G.
Located on a somewhat shadester block in AC.. but which block in AC isn't? Make reservations - they get busy! & HUGE SCALLOPS SO DERISHUZZZZZ.
(5)Tom B.
We finally made it to Docks! We had reservations and with the free valet parking there, access was a snap. Both of us ordered the fried oyster platter, but were a bit underwhelmed. While good, we felt them to be a bit over hyped and a tad dry. We were hoping for juicy, belly oysters, but they were not. Must give marks for the way they were served, though. Service was very good, and we liked the atmosphere. I must tell the readers that we are SO spoiled by fried oysters in NOLA and fried clams in coastal Maine eateries, that local stuff just is fried strips to us. Too fussy! All else was excellent, and we will definitely be back trying some more of their menu.
(4)Jenna L.
This place is a complete gem! Who would've thought that Atlantic City would have a place like this?! I wanted a nice restaurant to celebrate my birthday and Yelp definitely steered me in the right direction with Dock's. The place is adorable, staff is so friendly, and food is excellent. We shared 2 oyster samplers and calamari which were both incredible. For an entree, I ordered the baked flounder stuffed with crabmeat which was divine. It literally melted in my mouth and I am still trying to find out how to replicate that delicious light cream sauce. As if the exquisite food, exceptional service, and cozy environment weren't enough, they also had a live pianist playing everything from Billy Joel to The Righteous Brothers. I don't know if I'd ever go back to Atlantic City, but if I did, it would be JUST for Dock's.
(5)E C.
Excellent! Everything we ordered was fantastic. We tried all variety of oysters, tuna tartar, shrimp ceviche, cream of corn chowder, flounder fillet with lemon, and banana cream pie. Service was impeccable as well. Our server was knowledgeable in the food, wine, and had a friendly and professional demeanor. Absolute must in AC
(5)Francesca M.
After reading all of the hype on here I think I was expecting more. We had to wait 45 minutes to an hour to get seated even with a reservation. The bar area was soooooo small that I couldn't get to the bar for a drink, although the live music on the piano was very nice. We ordered the cold shellfish sample, which we thought was just OK. Next time we will sample the different raw oysters or try a soup. My entree was absolutely delicious...seared sea scallops...I would definitely have those again. For dessert we had banana cream pie. It was good, but we had the best banana cream pie about a month before and nothing can compare to it. I would probably try the restaurant again, but would try a different time so the wait isn't as uncomfortable or long.
(3)Greg S.
This is a tale of 2 dining experiences. The food was excellent both times, however the service is a different story. The first time we had JoAnn as our waitress and she was fabulous. Friendly and funny with exceptional knowledge of the food, she offered excellent recommendations and we enjoyed our food tremendously. Our second experience, for an 80th birthday celebration, was a different story. Taz was our waiter and he was horrendous. Disinterested and inattentive, he was hands down one of the worst waiters I've ever had, and I've had plenty. To cap it all off, at the end of the night, we ordered dessert and after dinner drinks. After we finished dessert, we had still not received one of the after dinner drinks (we had had issues waiting for drinks all night, which he blamed on the bartender; we waited about 20 minutes for to get one round of drinks earlier in the night). We told him to cancel the drink as we all had finished our dessert and coffee. He then brought the drink right over. He refused to take it off the bill (we didn't want the drink at this point) and began arguing with us. He refused to take this drink off our bill, so we got a to go cup. Completely unprofessional. Sad way to end an 80th birthday dinner
(1)Joseph K.
This place is holy good. Place has been around since 1887, and that tell you a lot. Their sea foods are fresh as it was just caught. I am coming back to AC just for this place.
(5)Devin L.
Had a wonderful dinner here. The place is in a bit of a shady area, but it's AC, so what area isn't awful looking. The place has been around since the 1890's so they must be doing something right. We got a cab from our hotel, and there were 2 waiting for fares when we left, so it was cool. We started with oysters of course. Malpaque, Rappahanock, and Cape May Salts. All were very good and fresh. My drink was really good. The specials all sounded very good. I had a swordfish with a side of the asparagus. Everything was perfect. The dessert was even phenomenal, pumpkin cheesecake. The service was top notch, the food and drinks were wonderful. I absolutely recommend this place for a nice night out in AC.
(5)Mollie N.
This place deserves 3.5 stars IMO. We walked in to New Year's Eve dinner with a bus load of geriatrics. After we passed the walkers we were seated in a booth near the back. As other reviews state, seating was very tight but expected. Our waiter brought us our menus and the wine list. The wine we picked out was spelled wrong (Ridge was spelled Rdige) but one of our favorites so we were happy they had it. Wine arrived at improper temperature but waiter was kind enough to decant it for us. Calamari was tender and cooked properly but breading was not crispy and was served with an inadequate amount of marinara dipping sauce for 3 people. Small portion for the money. Shrimp cerviche was tasty but small, served in a martini glass with a gravy-ish sauce that wasn't too appealing. Wouldn't order if I went there again. Main course was the scallop special served with risotto and lobster cream sauce. Scallops were too salty but my boyfriend didn't think that was the case. He thought they were sandy and improperly seared. Risotto was basically slightly fancy rice pilaf but tasty. The pecan crusted salmon was our favorite of the two. Served with apples and a baked potato (not stated on the menu, looked like it had been cooked in 1897 on opening day- so was promptly sent back for "fries" which were essentially potato chips) Dessert was IMO excellent (the bf disagrees) We ordered the cheese cake with cinnamon crust and raspberry sorbet. I thought the combination of raspberry and cheese cake was superb. He didn't agree but still ate it! All in all a good meal but probably would not return. Was not super impressed with service. Food felt dated and slightly overpriced. Btw, bread not replenished and water took a long time to get refilled (perhaps bc the water boy was checking out a hot girl nearby!)
(3)denise s.
Delish!!! Flounder stuffed with crab meat, dirty martini, and banana creme pie. Can't go wrong!
(5)Scott G.
Great seafood and steak. The service was excellent and the food was top notch.
(5)Timothy R.
3.5 stars overall, but not allowed by Yelp. The vibe of the place is great the moment you walk in, from the hostess, the white tablecloths and wood paneling to the waiters with cuff-links. Wear a casual sports coat if you have one handy since the place is on the chilly side at least in the winter. Also, the guy parking the cars seems a little sketchy so don't leave your ipad in the car -- but I'm probably just stereotyping and he's fine. First off, they were out of several items and even salad items which is always a major bummer. The seafood tower was very good and I would definitely reorder it again. However, the ceviche on the tower could have been a little better or dropped for something else. Ceviche is a good idea just get it right and not so drab and dull tasting. The rest of the tower was great though. I would hope the ceviche is not made from various unboxed SYSCO items. The entrees were a mixed bag, some were good and some were 'eh, nothing to write home about.' The desserts were of reasonable quality but did not blow me away. The person next to me felt the same way. Expect to pay at least $60 per person. I'd return but stick to the seafood tower and try some more appetizers/oysters.
(3)Maggie H.
Dock's is one of my all time favorite spots & a must-do whenever the husband and I venture down to AC. The atmosphere, food, and service can't be beat. Dinner starts off with a fresh baked roll. I know it's just bread, but the warmth freshness of the roll is delicious. I've tried a few of their soups before and all have been outstanding. Always fresh and filling. My husband and I usually split the raw oyster sampler to start with. If oysters are your thing, you must have the raw oysters at Dock's, you won't be disappointed. For entrees, I've tried the scallops, the crab au gratin, and the filet mignon. Again, you can always expect the freshest ingredients. I've never been disappointed by a meal at Dock's. Everything is always cooked and seasoned perfectly. I usually wash dinner down with a cucumber martini, very refreshing! The staff is always friendly, accommodating, and helpful. On my most recent visit I tried the cheese pie for dessert, which is served with strawberry sorbet. Oh my goodness, heaven! I'm already looking forward to my next meal at Dock's!
(5)Nick P.
Dined with my fiance on Valentine's Day here. We were excited that we got our reservation. The place fills up fast, and when you dine here you'll understand why. The staff was professional and on top of everything. Our waitress knew the menu in and out, was extremely friendly and on point. For appetizers I highly recommend the Maine chowder, and a variety from their Oysters, or go with the clams. Mix and match and you'll find the ones you really like. If you are a fan of lobster, order one and you will be blown away of the size and taste to them. They are the best in the area. Everything was perfect! We will definitely be back.
(5)Muyuan L.
Lobster were huge and delicious. Also the clam chowder. Had a great dinner in AC.
(5)Anthony M.
I've heard such good things about Dock's but my meal was average at best. We started off with the chilled shellfish sampler which was good. We also tried the oyster stew which was HUGE. It was good but it's didn't need to be so big. It's just a lot of cream. I would recommend keeping the same amount of oysters but having less broth. Our entrees were Crab Meat Saute and Seared Scallops. The scallops were phenomenal; cooked perfectly. The crab meat saute was not very good because it was over powered by lemon. I will give them another try in the future and I will probably stick to the scallops.
(3)Rick G.
Great, Great, Great....Great. Came here on the reco of one of the bartenders in the rundown Caesar's. The place is an Atlantic city institution and lives up to its reputation. Clean, classy, old-world style. Came with two women (15 mins late for our reservation) and were seated immediately, albeit a Wednesday night in Oct. The server was informative, and the seafood was fresh and interestingly prepared. The room was filled with mostly friendly diners, and the piano lounge in the front added a touch of fun to finish off with a nightcap and a few sing along songs. Highly recommended.
(5)Christine P.
We always have such a fantastic experience at Dock's Oyster House, this Saturday was no exception We eat here nearly every visit to Atlantic City because in my opinion, you just can't go wrong. Everyone at Dock's is so friendly. From Holly the hostess, to Soapie the raw bar master to Dimitri the expert mixologist to Will our server who is so warm and friendly. Our service was impeccable. Also, if you're sitting along the banquettes, expect to have pleasant dinner conversation with the friendly diners on either side of you. it's common and it's a nice way to meet new people! As an appetizer I had an assortment of 6 raw oysters and 6 raw clams The raw bar at Dock's is probably as good as you'll ever get, and the young man who is at the helm (Soapie) is an expert! I have never had a piece of shell or mangled oyster or clam ever. There's a skill to opening clams and oysters and this guy has SKILL! The Mister had his usual: New England Clam Chowder. Full of fresh whole clams in their shell, leeks, potatoes and so creamy. It's flavored with thyme and I would absolutely love the recipe (I probably don't want to know how much butter and cream is in it though!) The specials all sounded wonderful Fresh Cape May Fluke with crab meat, wilted spinach and diced tomatoes Oysters Parmesan (they take their freshly shucked oysters, bread and fry them, put them back in the shell with a dollop of marinara and then broil with some provolone and Parmesan cheese... the people sitting to our left got that for dinner and it looked REALLY good, but since I had already eaten the raw oysters, I wanted something different They also had a grilled swordfish over risotto (they always cook risotto to perfection) We decided to forgo the specials...I ALMOST got the fluke, but I had such a craving for scallops and was so glad that I went with the craving HUGE fresh scallops perfectly seared, sweet as candy, over buttery mashed potatoes and wilted spinach The Mister got the rack of lamb What? lamb? In a seafood restaurant? Yup, this place has some of the best steaks and lamb we've had, period! the lamb is crusted with rosemary and garlic and served over mashed potatoes with a rich demi glaze and fried shoestring beets on top. Yum! I gave him one of my scallops and I got one of his chops... they were perfectly cooked and so juicy and tender Unless you take the first seating you can expect to wait a bit for your table, but the piano player at the bar takes requests and you can sip a nice cocktail or glass of wine and just soak in the old school atmosphere
(5)Mark F.
This place is fantastic. The service, the food. Overall excellent!
(5)Jerry C.
Under promise and over deliver! The staff knows the menu so intimately that they can make the dining selections which will take you on a culinary excursion. Sit down and take the journey. Mine started with Crab Corn Chowder appetizer. Then the Crab Sautée was perfection. Light and filled with flavor. Thought that would be difficult after the layers of flavor in the chowder. Finished the meal with Banana Cream Pie. Layered with bananas and topped with a chocolate fork! Over delivered!
(5)Stephie K.
This is an absolute must for any seafood lover. After only going because of a recommendation from a well respected connoisseur, this is now going to be a traditional stop for every trip in Atlantic City. The fried calamari supercedes any others that I have ever tasted. Creative appetizers such as $19 1 lb lobsters to a crab meat casesar salad bring your seafood tastebuds to life. Not to jump on the bandwagon, but the scallop over brocolli rab was absolutely amazing. After, the amazing banana cream pie was super delish. To add to the elegant and classy environment, there was a live piano man singing and playing your favorite tunes. This was an overall heavenly experience. P.S. You know its a serious restaurant when they break out the crumber to clean off your table before dessert.
(5)Thomas Z.
Ordered crispy wasabi tuna, oyster sampler, flounder with crab meat, and banana cream pie. Oysters probably deserve 5 stars but the tuna deserves 3. The banana pie at the end was very good, also.
(4)Claire O.
Sea food quality is good, but not excellent. Be prepare that you and your date/friend(s)/family will be sharing your meal conversation with other table(s) since your table is right next to it/them.
(3)Gail Anthony T.
Yelpers didn't lie. This classy seafood joint was all that and a dime sack. As recommended, we made reservations (6:30PM last Thursday) a week in advance. Luckily we did because this place was packed when we got there. Once you walk in, you're greeted by a lovely hostess. We were a tad bit early, so our table wasn't ready. We went up to the piano bar, and the list of specialty martinis caught our eye. Just as we were about to order the pomegranate/pear and Asian pear martinis, our table was ready. What I noticed was that everyone at this bustling restaurant had a smile on their face. Our table was next to the bar which meant our drink orders wouldn't take that long to retrieve ;). The martinis were strong and tasty. They didn't last long because we had waited all day for our first drink. Now, about the service. Dock's didn't have apple juice for my kid, so he settled for water. About 10 minutes later, our server, Will, came back with a glass of apple juice, and the bottle that it came in. He had mentioned he went next door to pick up a bottle for my son. Wow! Will was on point with the menu especially with the specials. This was the last week for soft shell crabs, so we had to take advantage. The theme for us was crabs. We ordered the crab and corn chowder, crab au gratin, and the soft shell crabs. Of course, we had an oyster sampler, and they were fresh. The crab and corn chowder was probably one of the best chowders I've ever had. It had nice chunks of crab, and a hint of jalapeno to give it that kick. Both the crab au gratin and soft shell crabs were good. We got a nice portion of the crabs to split between me and my wife. All this was washed down with a bottle of Stag's Leap Sauv Blanc 2008. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough room for dessert :(. Overall, our experience was one we'd like to repeat. The next time we're in AC, we will be back at this classy and historic seafood establishment.
(4)Vivian L.
I was able to get a reservation at 8:30 for 3 people. This place was packed when we arrived and I was glad I made a reservation because who knows how long you gonna wait without one. The waitress was attentive and friendly, but it was very noisy my friends and I had to literally screaming at each other to have a conversation. We ordered the oyster samplers; fresh and delicious. I ordered the crab meat saute and it was tasty at the beginning and salty at the end. My friends each ordered the grilled shrimps and fried oysters; the one with fried oysters said she would rather order another dozen of oyster samplers. Left with a headache from the noise and a very full stomach.
(3)Nicole R.
Can't say enough good things about Docs ! The food is always great and the staff excellent. We always request Will as our waiter who is the best!
(5)David D.
There's a reason why Trip Advisor rates this as the #1 restaurant in Atlantic City. The food is absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked, the rates are very reasonable for the quality of the cuisine, the portions are just right, the service is impeccable, and the menu is diverse. I can't rave about it enough. It's that good. Just go here. You will be glad you did. I have been to so many mediocre restaurants in AC and overpriced casino eateries and buffets. This place was a breathe of fresh air. I was here on July 27th (a Saturday night) with my girlfriend. I ordered the grilled swordfish; she had seared sea scallops. Both of us had appetizers/salads and a dessert along with soda and red wine. Although a relatively small restaurant and crowded place, we didn't feel cramped - plenty of elbow room between tables. The hostess was super friendly and made us feel like we were the only ones there. Very accommodating. My girlfriend can be picky and very inquisitive and our waiter could not have been more respectful and helpful, giving thorough answers and making suggestions that did not feel forced. Right away, I told her, "This guy's a pro. We're not gonna have any problems." This confidence was only bolstered throughout the evening, as we were checked on several times despite the waiter juggling many tables. We were blown away by the food. We are both seafood lovers. While neither of us were willing to say it was the best we've ever had, it was expertly cooked; tender, juicy, succulent, with the ideal amount of crisp. The risotto beneath my swordfish was plentiful and mouthwatering. Dessert was a treat. I had a truly epic piece of banana creme pie that was ridiculously sweet and creamy. Did not think it would be so big! My stomach was a little overwhelmed but my taste buds were ecstatic. In conclusion, believe the hype. The place is first rate in every sense of the word and deserves it's sterling reputation.
(5)Gina G.
Expensive but delicious. The specials were great: blue crab with lobster, flounder with scallops. The marinara oysters were delightful. Limited beer selection.
(3)Jen S.
My husband & I always go to Dock's when we're in AC. We had reservations on fri 2/28 @ 5p. When we arrived I was sad to see the regular hostess Holly not there. We walked up the young lady hostess late teens early 20's at best was frantically trying to answer the phone and talk to a patron at her side. After 5min she finally asked if she could help us. I gave her our name and reservation it this time it was 5:05p. The hostess told us just hang at the bar and we'll call u soon. Now mind you every table was empty and all waitstaff standing and waiting for a table. After another 5min I asked is their a problem we're not being seated? I was told the staff isn't ready setting up! Seriously I worked in the restraunt business U are always ready before the doors are opened. And then why take 5p reservations!! And sadly we weren't the only couple waiting for this inexperienced hostess to figure it out! We were getting ready to walk out when she finally decided to seat us. We love Dock's sadly this was one of the worst experiences we've had at Dock's in all the years coming. The waiter and amazing food made up for the night but still next time I will call and ask if Holly is back before making reservations. Holly please come back! The food is always hands down delicious! Apps~ special -mixed greens, fennel, grapefruit, almonds Dijon dressing Sampler- 2 each grilled Juno shrimp, oyster Rockefeller and clams casino Dinner- seared scallops mashed potato with sautéed spinach. Crab cake baked potato seasonal veggies Dessert- apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.
(4)Namik G.
We visited DOH during our trip to AC this summer. This place is giant and can fit tons of ppl. You can sit by the raw bar or at the regular tables. Some of the delicious things we tried there: 1. Sea food tower - fresh (the most important part here). Crab meat was perfect; oysters - fantastic; lobster - good; clams - OK. 2. Shrimp sevice - I thought there was too much scallion; other ingredients were nice touch but overall overpowered the shrimp which is supposed to be the highlight of the dish. 3. Swordfish and risotto - perfectly executed fish with delicious sauce. Risotto was good but maybe needed another minute of cooking. 4. Crab Caesar salad - I thought the salad's taste was a bit confusing: crab meat doesn't play well with greens. Would love the ingredients separately but was not a fan of the dish. Excellent food, great service, cute place. The crowd is on the older side (hello AC!). Will definitely come back on our next trip!
(5)Rachel P.
Don't waste your time going to overpriced, average casino restaurants when there is Dock's. I have gone when we have reservations and still had to wait 30+ mins, but it's worth it. If you get lucky enough the bartender will treat you to one of his specialty drinks while you wait. He even came back down to make it when the other bartender wasn't sure what it was. Food has also been fantastic.
(5)Chelsea M.
Make a reservation!!! Very small, close quarters but worth EVERY bite! Great atmosphere, service, and history! The crab in a light shallot and herb sauce with veggies and mashed potatoes!!! At the end we had a fresh slice of rhubarb strawberry pie with vanilla ice cream. Marvelous experience!
(5)Kevin M.
I was definitely very skeptical about going to a seafood restaurant in Atlantic City. When I think AC, I think of the many nights I've had with friends that involved anything but eating at a fine dining establishment. And AC isn't exactly the nicest place in the world. But none the less I gave it a shot on the recommendation of my gf. This turned out to be one of the top 3 seafood places I've ever been to. The clams casino was delicious and the calamari may have been the best I've ever had. The clams were just the right size and had just the right amount of peppers and seasonings on it. The calamari was incredibly fresh and cooked perfect. It's was crispy and crunchy without being chewy. I then had the crab cakes which we excellent. Cooked just right and went perfect with their great red wine selection. This was an absolute shocker of a meal in Atlantic City. Apparently this place has been around for a very long time, and judging by the food, I can see why. 5 stars by far and a definite recommendation.
(5)Benjamin M.
Definition of 5 Stars! We enjoyed a wonderful dinner here last night prior to heading to a show at the Borgata. We didn't have a reservation, but instead showed up right when they opened at 5:00. Smart idea, as people were already hovering around the little bar area near the entrance. Fortunately, we were able to get a table rather quickly before the main rush. We started off sharing a half dozen oysters, specifically the Old Salt (VA) and Cape May Salts (NJ). Both were excellent, but I slightly favored the Cape May. As our waiter listed the specials, we quickly decided on two of his recommendations: the swordfish with shrimp and flounder with crabmeat. I don't even remember what else was on the menu and when I got my meal I didn't even care. The sizable, yet tender, swordfish was topped with two large grilled shrimp, served on top of risotto in a lobster sauce. I can't even describe how delicious everything was; words don't do it justice. Let's just say I was practically giddy and constantly gushing the entire meal. The flounder was also top-notch (we shared both of our meals, doubling our dining enjoyment). Our waiter was very attentive, pleasant and personal the entire time. Definitely one of the benefits of having a seasoned employee versus a teenage/college-age server. The piano player near the bar was also a nice touch. The only minor drawback of Dock's is there is limited seating and most of the tables are crammed closely together. Show up early or make a reservation and prepare to get personal with the people around you, which was fine with us since the retired couple who arrived at the end of our meal were pleasant. This is an Atlantic City "must visit" if you love seafood. Can't wait for next time!
(5)MaggieMay S.
Outstanding! We have been to the Knife and Fork in AC and thought we'd give Dock's a try. It's very charming, loved the historical aspect and the free parking right next door was an unexpected bonus. Our server, Michael was funny and took great care of us. We felt very pampered. The food was delicious, we had corn chowder, salmon and filet mignon. We finished with the cheese pie and it was the best we've ever had - light, fluffy and very tasty. I would have to say this was the best dining experience we've had in months. We will def be adding Dock's to our list of favorites.
(5)Jason E.
As good as it gets. I love this place.
(5)Kadian F.
I made reservations to this restaurant on the recommendation of a co-worker during a weekend trip to AC. My friend and I are both new fans of this restaurant! We were seated shortly after we arrived and moved to a table which was in the center of the restaurant so we could enjoy our food while people watching. The server had a great personality and was also knowledgeable about all the food on the menu. After deciding what we were going to eat my friend and I ordered a bottle of wine for the two of us, which is usually a good indicator of a nice meal ahead. For appetizers my friend ordered one of each oyster on the menu and I ordered the calamari. My friend enjoyed her oysters and was impressed by the different types they had available. My calamari was fresh and perfectly fried. It was a lot of calamari and definitely could easily be shared by four people. For my entree I ordered the scallops with risotto and it was excellent. I rarely order scallops as the are usually not that flavorful but our server recommended it and said it was fresh and I trusted his recommendation plus I'm a huge fan of risotto. The risotto, scallops, sauce and vegetables matched perfectly and I was very pleased with my meal. After being completely stuffed my friend and I were given the dessert menu and again under the recommendation of our server I got the cherry pie as cherries were in season at the time. The cherry pie was delightful. The baker highlighted the cherries in the pie and I was literally eating sweet juicy cherries with each bite. My friend had the key lime pie and that was also very good. This meal was the best I had in AC and rivals the meals in some of the best restaurants in DC. The menu used quality ingredients and kept it simple by working with the flavors of fresh in-season ingredients. The service was excellent. My server Taz was funny and knew how to read the table and kept us happy. I almost want to go back to AC just to have dinner at this restaurant.
(5)Kayla M.
We had dinner at Docks last night. We sat at the bar and had drinks while we waited for our reservation to be ready. My boyfriend had a captain and coke which he said was made well- strong! I had a sour apple martini which was good. When we got seated we shared the appetizer medley- clams casino, oysters rockafeller, and grilled shrimp. All were excellent! He had the crab stuffed flounder which he loved! I had the crab au gratin which was cheesy and delicious. My only disappointment was that I found quite a few shells in it- which is why I deducted one star from this review. The fresh warm rolls and oyster crackers with horseradish are a nice addition! The atmosphere is warm, cozy, and inviting. We would definitely go back!
(4)Danielle S.
Great place for seafood. Busy place even on a Wednesday night in November. The staff is very nice and attentive. I ordered a scallop special with risotto and it was very good. The scallops were large and cooked perfectly. The ratio to scallops and risotto was good too as they give you a large portion of scallops. The prices were average and the food and service were good.
(5)Brandon T.
Food was good, just not too many choices. Food is very fresh and there are large portions.
(4)Ran T.
Dinner at Dock's Oyster House was the highlight of my recent trip to Atlantic City. The restaurant is located on Atlantic Ave, 2 blocks inland from the Boardwalk. The food was absolutely delicious, the seafood fresh, the service pleasant, and the portions very generous. My boyfriend and I split the Oysters Rockefeller for an appetizer - the oysters were good, but one or two bites had small pieces of shell. This small error was quickly forgotten when our entrees arrived. He had the Seared Sea Scallops -- the scallops were large, sweet, and cooked perfectly, and it was one of the best scallops dishes that I have ever tasted! I ordered the Crab Meat Sauté, which was very buttery but on the saltier side, but became more balanced when eaten with the side of baked potato. I would order both dishes again. Do remember to save room for the homemade desserts! Fellow Yelpers suggested the Banana Cream Pie at Dock's, but this dessert dish was nowhere to be found on the dessert menu. Luckily, the restaurant was serving the pie off menu, so we ordered a piece and devoured it within 3 minutes. If we weren't so stuffed from the entrees, I think we would have ordered another slice. Do yourself a favor and get the Banana Cream Pie! If you are tired of eating at casinos and want to try something fresh and memorable, definitely check out Dock's.
(4)Camille R.
FOOD was awesome !!!! Seating was very close which made for a very loud room. Piano player was fun.
(3)Will Y.
This place is pretty fantastic. We arrived Friday night without reservations and as we were parking, the valet guy ran in to see if the place had room for us. Luckily, they had a table for us. So off the bat, it was already a great experience. When we got inside, the service was quick and our waiter was very nice. The ambiance was definitely more romantic. When we sat down to order, I started munching on the hard little pieces of bread, I wasn't sure if it was ok to eat it. The fresh bread roll with sesame seeds was delicious. Oysters were good. I got a ribeye, which was yums and gf got scallops, also yums. Will definitely be back next time we're in AC.
(5)Susan H.
Went here based on the reviews. The food did not disappoint. If you go there and don't order the soft shell crabs you're insane, they really are incredible. The decor leaves much to be desired.
(4)Tina B.
Great seafood place in AC. I can't say I love the location, we walked from the hotel and went past some sketchy spots so we took a taxi back since it got dark. This spot is great for couples and adults, but not much variety for a kids menu. Food was incredible and we will definately go back, but next time we will leave the kids at home.
(4)Sandy M.
My seafood cravings and yelp reviews lead us here for dinner. The over all experience was decent. We were there at opening so there was no wait, however the tables were super tiny and I felt a bit clustered... Drinks were very strong for my liking but the food was DELICIOUS.
(4)Sherry L.
It is a great place! I will try it again if I am in AC next time, but remember, you have to make a reservation!
(5)Derek M.
I went by the stellar Yelp reviews and decided to go to Dock's instead of a casino restaurant. Man am I glad I did. This place has amazing food. Lay off the oyster crackers and try the oysters, crab & corn chowder, and sautéed soft shelled crabs (if they're on the daily special). I'm usually not a soft shelled crab lover, but I once again trusted "your" feedback - great decision. If you want to go during peak dinner hours, make reservations atleast a week in advance. We booked ours about 5 days ahead of time and the only available times were at 6 & 9:30. We'll be going back.
(5)Marc G.
Best seafood I have ever had. Best service I have ever had. What more do I need to say? Sure it's sorta pricey, but what decent seafood place isn't? I had the soft shell crab special, tried some of the scallops with risotto, and tried some of the fluke. My dish was great. The scallops were huge and the risotto was perfect. The fluke wasn't anything special but it was clearly fresh off the boat. The place is small though, so reservations are highly recommended.
(5)AaronErin D.
Found this restaurant on Yelp and I am so happy I did. I wanted to find a great new spot for diner with friends on my fiancé's birthday. The only negative comment I have is that we had a 7:45 pm reservation and we didn't sit down until closer to 8:15, at least there is a great little bar and someone playing the piano while you wait. All of the reviews are spot on about the food here on Yelp. I personally started out with oysters and a fried tomato special with goat cheese and it was all very good. For myself personally the highlight of my meal were the steamed clams in a spicy red sauce. It was such a pleasant surprise, most places serve their clams with a very boring white white garlic butter. I would tell every single person to order these clams during their meal. My fiancé ordered the crab Caesar followed by the cheesy crab Au gratin entree. He was extremely impressed with both dishes. Also ordered at our table was the Snapper entree and the scallops, our friends raved about how amazing their meals were as well. This place is hands down a must see in Atlantic City, I will recommend this restaurant to every person I know. I now understand why this place is voted number 1. Also has a full bar, great wine list as well as specialty Martini's. You will not be disappointed with this experience.
(5)Carl B.
Despite the rather dodgy looking neighborhood around the place, the inside was a tasteful, well-appointed haven. Simple and elegant, it mercifully avoided the cheesiness of a few other 'upscale' restaurants in the area. The service at the bar and at our table was impeccable. Our waitress knew the menu like the back of her hand, made great recommendations, and was very accommodating. The food was top-notch. From the crab caesar salad (light, fresh, tasty) to the Manhattan clam chowder (they were happy to keep out the bacon for my vegetarian palate) to the mains (our party took fried oysters, an excellent white fish special, etc.) nothing disappointed. They even put up with my grandpa, filled with nostalgia and a few of their superlative Manhattans, crooning along with the pianist for a minute or two.
(5)Michelle M.
A good choice if you want to avoid tacky, over-priced casino restaurants in Atlantic City! Dock's is within easy walking distance from the boardwalk and has a sort of upscale casual atmosphere. The fish is fresh, the service is good and while it is a little pricey, you're getting very good quality food. I had sautéed lump crab meat that was succulent and delicious: great big lumps in a delicious garlic/lemon/butter/parsley sauce. Yum yum yum.
(3)Young B.
Don't eat here. It's mediocre food and totally over priced. Our waiter was nice. But the restaurant is in a unsafe neighborhood especially at night. You wouldn't want to walk here at night. Also waited for a taxi for 30 minutes after our meal. We asked the restaurant to call a cab for us. They said they did, but nothing showed up. So asked them again, and the host there got angry at us for asking again. I said what is the big deal for you to call again, we just had a 350 dollar dinner here and you can't call us a taxi? So we eventually had to hitch a ride with another customer. When we told them of our experience with the taxi, they said oh, don't bother asking them for a taxi, they are terrible. Do not go here.
(1)Christopher H.
I was fortunate enough to have another great meal at Docks recently. The cucumber Martini was made perfectly and went down a little too easily! My wife and I split the crab and asparagus soup to start and it was out of this world. There were nice big pieces of crabmeat and you could taste the freshness of both the crab and asparagus. For my entree I had the crab au gratin and it was a home run. Although there is cheese and cream in this dish, the crab really came through and was not overwhelmed at all by the sauce. My wife's scallops were similarly excellent. Service from Mike was spot on... Unobtrusive while still being attentive. I can not wait to eat here again on my next AC adventure!
(5)Joyce Y.
This was my second time here at Dock's Oyster House. It's a pretty good place to dine at in Atlantic City. I went to AC recently (Nov 20, 2012) for a concert and decided to bring my boyfriend here for dinner. We ordered a chilled seafood sampler (2 jumbo shrimps, oysters, mussels, lobster, crabmeat, and shrimp ceviche $33), an oyster sampler, 1 dozen of oysters and a bottle of white wine. We weren't that hungry that night so we didn't order any entrees. It was VERY crowded that night and I was glad that we made a reservation. The seafood wasn't bad but we didn't have a very good dinner that night. The table next to us had 6 people and they were SO loud during the entire meal. I believe 2 of them were drunk and they were talking so loud and they kept cursing. Other than that, the overall experience was good. I would probably go again if I were to go to AC again.
(3)Jackie M.
Best seafood ever... We went there on a Saturday night and while we were eating we made a reservation for the next night because there were so many choices and specials... Fresh seafood and the wait staff is awesome.. Our waitress was Joan and she was the sweetest person. There's a piano bar that makes the wait fly by.
(5)MaryBeth A.
We had an absolutely wonderful dinner at Dock's Oyster House! The service was impeccable and the food was marvelous. We had reservations at 5 pm on a Saturday and arrived at opening. We were there for my husband's birthday which I only mentioned in passing when he placed his dinner order. After our meal the server arrived with dessert and a lit candle and sang happy birthday! Our server even called our cab for us so he was there when we were ready. It was a wonderful experience that we will definitely repeat when we return to Atlantic City!
(5)Abe R.
Was the first time here with my wife. We were celebrating an anniversary. The food and service were outstanding. If you're an oyster fan, this is definitely the place for you. My wife, who is a huge crab cake fan, thought they were the best crap cakes she's ever had. Make sure you go to this Dock's location. It's definitely better than the other ones. Perfect for a romantic dinner.
(5)Kevin C.
This place is great. Food is excellent and the staff is great. It's a little cramped, but other than that I would highly recommend!
(5)Kelly G.
Food was excellent. Even during the week in the off season the place was packed. Restaurant itself is small and tables are pretty packed together. And since it was so busy, it was loud. This was my only reason for 4 stars instead of 5. Extensive wine list. Shrimp were the biggest I've ever seen and cooked beautifully. Had the special that night-grilled salmon and 2 jumbo grilled shrimp on a bed of risotto. There was a piano player playing, which would have been nicer if we were able to hear over all the crowd noise. Overall, we'd definitely go back! FYI: not kid friendly!
(4)Tara M.
Excellent, well worth the price!! Service was outstanding, very knowledgable about wine pairings and had excellent suggestions from appetizers to dessert! Salmon and crabcakes were outstanding, we cant wait to be back in AC to visit again!!
(5)dennis b.
Minus one star for the hostess and staff... Indirectly rude and arrogant. My waiter waited on other patrons that were seated literally 15 minutes after us. I was pretty annoyed.. Maybe it's because we looked young and the other couple were an elderly couple. Maybe he was thinking more tip with elderly. No clue.... I was a little annoyed. After I ordered two drinks, a cold seafood sampler platter,a dozen oysters, a cowboy steak and crab cakes his demeanor changed real quick. Not sure if he thought I was in there looking to buy an appetizer and a salad.... Food was excellent with the exception of the lobster and crab cakes... Maybe I am a snob about lobster but it does not taste as good as Maine... That's for sure. Tastes old and of the frozen variety. Especially the claw... This was the second time in AC where the lobster tasted the same.... Rubbery and eraser like. Crab cakes were ehhhhh. Definitely the canned variety. No clue about the dipping sauce they offered with it. Was a cocktail hot sauce holindase mix. Should of just gave the holindase sauce. However the oysters (local salts) were excellent. Cleaned and shucked well... I must say. Oysters were on point. If I wasn't stuffed I probably would have ate another dozen. Still pissed about my other encounter with oysters in AC however this more than made up for it. The cowboy 28 oz ribeye was cooked perfectly. Had enough to literally feed two. Minus one more star for not being acknowledged as I left. However a couple that walked out literally right behind us the hostess said thank you hope to see you again. Literally right behind us. Food was good however I shouldn't have tipped 20% cuz they were very rude. I know they have been in business since the 1800's and they don't care because they have a crazy following but still. Minus another star as they sat us in the front near the hostess and the fellow waiters had the nerve to talk to each other complaining about a "cheap annoying customer complaining and then leaving a cheap tip". Very professional...
(2)Jessica C.
The food at Dock's was great! While I wish there had been a larger portion of calamari in our appetizer, it was very delicious. I got a sort of ... crab cake fried shrimp hybrid, which was delicious and filling. The 'fries' were actually really long chips, but they were yummy! The reason for the two star deduction was due to the wait service. Our waiter in particular seemed to be hopped up on something. While standing directly next to us almost the entire time we were there, he either tried to interject into our conversation (listening in, apparently), or blatantly stared at us as we ate. He was also handsy, taking my boyfriend's flatware out of his napkin and patting the napkin into his lap... He tried to do the same thing to me, so I politely declined and put my hand on my napkin... and he gave it a little jerk anyway, ignoring me and trying to take it out of my grip. The man gave me some extreme anxiety for the rest of dinner. For all of his 'attentiveness', he actually forgot to bring us any bread to start, and he never offered us a refill on our drinks. But, the food was delicious.
(3)Monstra M.
Wow! Wowwowowowow Biggest freshest shrimp cocktail. Calamari that was perfectly crunchy and chewy and the same time! And............. The tastiest 5 POUND LOSTER EVER! Three of us were soooo full! I would have never thought about this place for our brief ac trip if I hadn't read some of these yelp reviews. Please! If your thinking about it go there. Also there's a piano guy who is great and talks to you while he's playing!
(5)Doug R.
Not much for me to add that hasn't been said. I went to AC alone to slay the craps table and dinner was to be solo. The hostess and waitress went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. I don't mind eating alone, but I really appreciated their awareness. My server was Helen, a true professional that made me feel like family. She told me the history of Doc's, and you can tell that she very much enjoyed working there and wanted to make sure that I had a great experience. I kept it basic, app of the Calamari, Vodka on the rocks and a Strip Steak. All were superb. Dessert... I had an Espresso with a chocolate something or other, I didn't look at the menu, just asked for something chocolatey. It was surprisingly dry. Just a minor blip on an otherwise perfect meal. It was fun sitting at my table, watching the dining room "buzz". I thought about all the great times and special events that must have taken place there over the decades. Doc's is a classic. I'm glad I went, and I look forward to going back.
(5)Sebastian T.
Best restaurant in AC, food was fantastic. Wait staff was attentive. Family owned and operated. Love the fried tomato.
(5)Liz L.
If you google "best seafood in AC" this is the first place that pops up. So, there was no question that we had to try it. We couldn't get same-day reservations for Saturday night, so made reservations for Sunday (8/18). Glad we did, because it was super-busy for our 6:30 seating. Despite the close-quarters and the very loud, it was well worth it. The food was, by far, the best seafood in AC. My husband had the clam chowder and they cook the clams right in the broth, made to order. It's not your traditional clam chowder and was a little soupy for his taste, but it looked good with the clam shells and potato chunks. I had a crab-asparagus soup. It was okay, but not remarkable. What was remarkable was the delicious soft-shell crabs I had. I know soft-shells aren't for everyone, but if you like them they are great here. My husband had the swordfish. He said it was really good. We kept seeing plates of giant lobsters being served at other tables and wish we had sprung for one of those. They looked so good! They sell lobsters by the pound - all the way up to 6 lbs! Dessert was really good too. I would definitely recommend this place for a nice dinner. Prices are comparable to what you would find at a restaurant in one of the nicer Boardwalk casinos. Service here is great too, so that also helps. Definitely a must!
(5)Sandy C.
Fresh oysters. Delicious grapefruit salad special... Scallops were terrific. Fish piccata special equally as good. Great service... Didn't feel rushed even though the place was jammed. Only downside was it was very cold over at our little corner table. Don't know if it was because of the doors opening with constant patrons in and out. So thankful to YELP for helping us locate all the best foods in different cities!
(5)Gary S.
This place is great! The staff was friendly, attentive and very nice. The food was excellent, tasty and nicely presented. The prices were reasonable and the food was well worth it. By chance they had soft shell crabs as a special which happened to be what we craved that night. The restaurant is fairly small and expect to wait for a table, but it's so much better than any of the "high end" franchise restaurants. Great place, we will be back!!
(5)Wayne J.
My first night in AC, my wife and I were looking for seafood. Found Dock's, called at 8:50 pm, said if I could get there in 10 minutes, we could get in. From my room at the Borgata to the door in 10 including a cab ride. The fun was just beginning. I started with half a dozen Malpaque oysters. They were probably some of the best I have ever had. Salty and sweet perfection. They were offering a crab and corn chowder soup. It was also delicious and very fresh. My entrée was the fried sea scallops. My wife had their fluke with lump crab. Both were fantastic. Cooked perfectly and served quickly. The scallops were a beautiful brown pan seared medium rare. They had a rich and creamy texture that was to die for. I love scallops. I am also allergic to them however I still take the chance. These were among the best. Most over cook them causing the meat to get stringy. These were perfect. The fluke was also delicious. The portion was large so my wife didn't finish it, my windfall. I had their key lime pie. It was different from other key lime pies. Most are so sweet and dense they are hard to finish. This pie was light and not too sweet. It was fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and will make Dock's a must eat stop when I am in AC next.
(5)Joshua R.
We visited Docks on a Saturday night with 5pm reservations. Pulled up into their parking lot and was told by a casually dressed man that I needed to get out of the car so he could valet us. This was quite confusing as he had no uniform on and the parking lot is at max about 100ft long and wide. Why not just let me park myself? Strange. Also had a couple of items missing from our vehicle after the weekend, coincidence? We walk up to the doors right at 5 and the place is locked down, no entering at all. Standing in the cold without a car, we wait for a couple of minutes AFTER 5 with about ten other guests until we can enter. Again, strange. We are seated by a pleasant enough lady and given our menus and poured water. An older waitress approaches the table and with a rude tone asks "What do you want to drink?". Not "Hi, welcome to Docks", or "hello my name is...". We were shocked at the first impression of our server and she continued to get worse. After looking at the menu we decided on the oyster sampler to start with and pecan crusted salmon and crab au gratin for dinner. After giving her the entire order, our server decided that it was too much to remember and asked us to repeat it after she pulled out a scratch pad. I am asked if a baked potato is acceptable for a side item, and I ask if I could substitute for something else. I am told that I am not, no substitutions. Why was I asked then?? Oysters arrived, with a very nice man who seemed to be the "oyster guy". They were excellent! Maybe we were being too quick to judge, food seems good. Main courses arrive and at first glance look great. Dig into my crab au gratin and it tastes like poorly picked crab meat (many shell fragments in the meat) was mixed with velveeta cheese and cooked. Not to mention that the sauce was literally drowning the poor crab meat. My partner was equally dissatisfied with her salmon as the flavor pairings were very strange. Pecans and salmon on a bed of apples and covered with ranch dressing. We have eaten at many, many places and never seen such a crazy concoction. Not to mention the plated meal directly conflicted with the menu description. Overall opinion is very poor of this place. Food needs a lot of work, and so does some of the staff members. A $100+ meal for two should absolutely have both aspects greatly improved. Definitely will not return to this restaurant on return trips to AC.
(2)Megan K.
flawless. it just doesnt get any better than this. i have never gone to the same place two nights in a row, especially in a town with 9000 restaurants. we found it on a friday night, luckily they had a table. the server was delightful. helped us pick what to eat. helped with the wines. and everything was incredible. oysters, steak, bass, desserts, and cocktails. it was so amazing, we went back on saturday night. it is sexy, the food is out of this world. the service is perfect, the wine selection is on point. it aint cheap! but it shouldnt be. you get what you pay for. this is a dining event. its noisy. people are having a great time. it is upscale, but you can wear jeans. we did and did not feel at all out of place. this is a place you go to celebrate something. if you dont have something to celebrate? make something up because being in here feels like a special occasion.
(5)William H.
I came a little late to our reservation and the hostess was polite and understanding. We were seated quickly and got our appetizers exceptionally fast. I ordered the clam chowder and the cowboy steak. The clam chowder was simply magnificent. It was exquisite and perfectly made, the best clam chowder ive ever had. ORDER IT! the cowboy steak was decent. I was a little disappointed because i thought it would be more flavorful. The clam chowder set the bar too high for the steak. I definitely recommend this place
(5)Denise M.
Although this gem isn't in one of the hotels, it's only about a 5 minute cab ride from boardwalk and definitely worth it! My friends and I went for my birthday and we were very pleased with the the food, service and overall the entire night. We had raw oysters to start (amazing and very fresh). I had their version of new england clam chowder (AMAZING). For dinner, i had the lobster tail which was kind of bland. I was a little disappointed. I tried some of my friends dishes (crab au gratin, filet mignon) and they were great. I would definitely return to the restaurant upon returning to AC.
(5)Sid B.
both started with clam chowder with 7 clams steamed in the soup; wow wife had 2 lb lobster at only $39; very tasty , ( but a little chewy) I had pan sauteed crab cakes with lump crab-meat; very good crab-meat; tasted biscuity; excellent taste; and texture, ( different = not BA crab-cakes, but very good) nice atmosphere ; great service; and live piano ; relaxing
(5)Mac B.
Went for a birthday celebration last evening. The service was impeccable and the food to good to describe. Flounder, crabmeat and shrimp cocktail and banana cream pie was the happy ending. Never have been disappointed at Dock's. We just keep going back for more.....
(5)Lola L.
Came here tonight the food was great , service was good .... The only reason why I gave them 4 stars is because the hostess was rude and inattentive ( she had no customer service skills) Everything else was great ... Too bad they have someone talking like that to guest ....
(4)Wesley M.
I had high hopes for Dock's from reading all of the good reviews, but I felt it was mediocre at best. Pros - Seated quickly. I made a reservation on OpenTable. It was a full house and luckily the table was ready when we got there. - My girlfriend really liked her clam chowder, shrimp from the seafood tower, and seared scallops. - Banana cream pie was really good! Cons - Service was spotty. The main server seemed to have jumbled her words when explaining the specials of the day. All I understood was the beginning and end of each special. - Food runners were a bit rude and unprofessional. For an 'expensive' and 'classy' restaurant they didn't sweep the crumbs off the table or move things around on the table before serving entrees. There was also no warning as they would just quickly put food in front of you. The food runner almost hit me in the face with my girlfriend's entree. - Sides were really salty, so I concur with some of the other reviews that people have had on Yelp. - I ordered the rib eye medium rare - it was MR on the sides of the steak, but then more like raw in the middle and near the bone. About 30% of the steak was inedible. Nice atmosphere, decent service. Order seafood if you go and nothing else.
(2)Fatema K.
Great oysters (raw bar), regular entrees, shoddy service First things first, if you're planning a visit to Dock's, make sure you make reservations. They get really busy, especially on weekends and the wait can get horrendously long. We reached for our reservation on time, and were asked to wait since our table was not yet ready. It took them about 10-15 mins to finally get us seated, but you can wait by the bar and get a drink while waiting. We started off with a selection of oysters from the raw bar. This was one of the main reasons we wanted to try this place, and it did not disappoint. They were fresh, and the condiments were perfect. We also tried the shrimp ceviche. It was nice, but not what we were expecting the ceviche to be. The way they prepared it, tasted more like shrimp fajita filling. We decided to split the entree and decided on one of the special's - fluke fish topped with crab meat, with sauteed spinach in a garlic based sauce. The fish, though fresh, had no flavor and the crab meat was scanty at best. We decided to skip dessert after this unimpressive meal. Now, the bad. The service! Our server came by with two glasses of water with ice. I requested for a glass without ice, and he disappeared for ten minutes to find one. After he brought me another glass, he decided to let the old glass with ice be on the tiny table for two anyway and walked away before we even had a chance to ask him to take that away. For the food, he decided to do a complete 180 and snatched away most of our plates (the oysters and the ceviche) before we were even done with it. We had to keep repeating that we were still working on it, which was actually pretty obvious, considering that we had utensils in our hands and were still chewing our food. Anyway in conclusion, if you're ever in AC, stop by for the oysters and head elsewhere for dinner.
(3)Tom S.
Simply a 5 Star restaurant on all accounts. If this restaurant was located in NYC, Chicago, or any other major city it would be "world famous" Just go!
(5)Eric O.
Restaurant is what I would call an "old-money" type-of-nice, still upscale place though. Made reservation the day of but was packed when we arrived, so sat down 45min after arrival(could be due to being a Friday night). Need a better way to organize people at the front because it was crowded and sloppy at the check-in stand. My buddy and I ordered 3 oysters, bowl of soup, a surf & turf, and a filet mignon that came out to be $110, and that's considering we only had waters. All dishes were average in general, but below-average for what I expect for the price from a white tablecloth restaurant. Probably wouldn't return, given the amount of alternatives in the area. Service was definitely amazing though, smiles from start to finish throughout process.
(3)Karen T.
I went to Dock's recently when I was there for "Girls Weekend". I was so impressed! I loved the astmosphere. We made a reservation based on other reviews. I like the feel of a busy place so I was fine with the noise and hustle and bustle. The tables are close, but again I was having fun with my girlfriends so I didn't mind. Our server was great! Taz (I think I have that right) was friendly, knowledgable and attentive without being in our face. He made geat suggestions and really knew his menu. Now, to the best part...the food. I enjoyed the food a great deal. We split the shrimp cocktail, and clams casino. The shrimp was great, huge shrimp with spicy cocktail sauce. The clams were ok. They has a lot of green and red peppers on the, I always like of clams casino as having breading on it, but maybe I have that wrong. I had a scallop special that was the best scallops I have had in a long time. My dinning partners had the crab saute, simple but delicious, and the my other friend had the potato crusted flounder, that was also great. I can hardly wait to return to this wonderful place.
(4)Joe T.
Everything we had was amazing and the service was excellent. On the pricey side but you definitely get what you pay for.
(5)Johnny C.
This place is great for seafood. If you like oysters they have a great selection. Their dinner options are great too, we have the scallop risotta and it was excellent!! Every time I go to atlantic city I always have to stop by!! Of course you wanna drive or cab there because theres alot of shady ghetto areas in atlantic city!! that's why they have everything located inside(restaurants,entertainment) the hotels your staying at!! they don't want you to leave the hotels for safety reasons!! lol
(5)Amy D.
What a wonderful surprise! My boyfriend and I couldn't even believe how nice and delicious this meal was. We were in Atlantic City for a getaway weekend although Atlantic City is neither of our styles really. Docks was exactly our style. So classy and the food was better than any meal I've had all year. Seriously. I had the filet mignon special, still on the bone. The couples on either side of our table both commented that they didn't think I'd be able to finish it. This girl can really put it down though and I ate it all, leaving the amazing lobster mac and cheese and creamed spinach sides as great leftovers for the next day. My boyfriend has the crab meat entree and was so happy with it. We shared some oysters before the meal and has dessert- everything was so tasty. Basically, best. Best place in town.
(5)Courtney D.
as husband put it, this is how all food should taste. we had the loveliest dinner at Dock's. tried to make a reservation in the afternoon but were told they were completely full. after strolling the boardwalk we thought we'd just hit a casino buffet instead. Caesar's wanted $75 for 2 (that was WITH the member discount) and we just couldn't justify the bill for buffet quality food, so we gave Dock's one more try. SO glad we did! the hostess quoted us a perfectly reasonable 45 minute wait at 7pm on a saturday night. when we returned the lobby was packed, but we still got out table on time. the server was kind and sweet as could be. i had two oysters (fantastic), the steamed clams (in a delicious, chunky, spicy sauce so good that i broke my gluten-free regimen to sop up the extra with a warm & seeded roll), beet salad (with pistachios, goat cheese, and mandarins) and husband had the seared scallops. everything was wonderful. one of those dinners where you keep looking at each other going, 'this is just so good.' thank you, dock's. i have at least 3 more dishes lined up to try next time. ;) though Dock's has a reputation of being the high-end seafood arm of the Harry's/Knife and Fork group, but our bill was still less than the buffet at Caesar's. absolutely worth it.
(5)Stephanie P.
#18 This place was everything we expected it to be and so much more. On our first trip to Atlantic City, my boyfriend decided to look up places that are highly recommended in the AC - apparently, Dock's was a restaurant that HAD to be visited. Plus, it didn't hurt that we're BIG seafood fans. =) So, after a full day on the boardwalk, wandering up and down the beach, and some drinks at the Continental, we decided to head inland to Dock's. By that time, though, it was getting freezing and we were starved. However, once we walked into Dock's, all of those worries melted away. We were greeted by the manager himself in a sharp suit and we asked for seats at the bar. Our server was super friendly, answering our questions and being patient as we decided on what to get. There was live music being played and the entire crowd was just so jovial! There was so much conversation going on in every corner of the restaurant, the place practically vibrated with good feelings. =) We ended up ordering the Chilled Shelfish Sampler for 2, as well as a glass of the Riesling (for me) and a White Russian (for him) The server did push for us to get the Sampler for 4 because he was convinced our order couldn't possibly be enough food. We were able to watch the guy put together our entire order since his workstation was right in front of us and it was exciting! Once he finished putting it all together, it was quite impressive - a 2-tiered work of seafood marvel. We started at the top with the shrimp ceviche, which was nicely chilled and tasted so fresh. Things only went up from there! Everything, and I truly mean, everything in the sampler tasted DELICIOUS. The crabmeat was tender, the oysters were fresh, the lobster was tasty .... I could go on forever. But, adjectives aren't enough to describe their food. Really, you just need to try it out for yourself. =)
(5)Chris N.
Great ambiance, excellent selection of fresh oysters, and very knowledgeable service. I personally have a standing reservation every time I visit AC from here on out. Even on the slowest of nights, every table will fill up quick by closing time, for they are only open for 5 hours a day. Authentic fine dining, from the bright-white table cloths, to the piano bar at the entrance, to the friendly staff from bar to busser. Dock's not only exceeds any expectations of a "fancy" restaurant in AC, but sets the bar when it comes to the complete package of 5 star dining experience. Small but quaint. Modest but humble. The history of this restaurant speaks for itself. Knowing that no experience can be the same, nor any where close to the original, every rendezvous with my family and friends in the future at Dock's will unmistakably authentic.
(5)Matt D.
The food & service can not be beat. We were greeted graciously from the lot to the table. The service is excellent ,attentive & prompt . White table cloth ,crisp waiter uniforms & very clean! Old school menu is well planed, not overwhelming (no real vegetarian choice) . The food could not be beat , superior freshness&quality . The kitchen should be proud. Just go!
(5)Esther Y.
Okay... my bf and I are degenerate gamblers so we usually go to AC often and we didn't know about this place til recently. WTF? Thank GOD we did! Holy moly the food was delishhhhhhhhhhhhh! We must've ate like two dozen of oysters and we shared the lobster. That shit was HUGE!!! The atmosphere is also very warm. Which is another +. Can't wait til I go back there. NOMNOMNOM
(4)Adam B.
I'm going to keep this short and sweet. 1. Spend less money on the slots and board-walk souvenirs and save it for Dock's Oyster House. 2. Make a reservation if you can, if not, just walk in. 3. Ask for your table, if there are non available, take the first seats available at the raw bar. 4. Order the Chilled Shellfish Sampler for two (providing you are not allergic). 5. Don't share it (unless at gun-point). 6. Eat it, enjoy it and burp politely at the end of it. 7. Suggest to the person you came with that they order the same thing. 8. Review Dock's Oyster House on Yelp. If I ever return to Atlantic City, I will go here again.
(5)LeighAnn G.
Fried Oyster Parm was probably one of the best appetizers I have ever had. The Tuna Steak is fresh and delish. Was recommended from Yelp and well worth the experience! Excellent service and family owned atmosphere. An AC must!
(5)Marius P.
Docks is a staple, and serves classic foods... but the staff has no clue what a prime steak is, and was just good, not outstanding. Will definitely go back.
(3)Corey M.
Wow. It has to start with that. We made a reservation for 5:15 on a Sunday. We were one of 2 tables when we started our meal and every table was full by the end. The food was phenomenal. My wife started off with a salad special with feta cheese. We asked the type and the gentlemen in charge of purchasing gave us the name and spoke with us for a while. He wound up brings us a taste of their goat cheese as well which I ate the sample like it was ice cream, scraping the bottom of the cup with my spoon it was so good. I had the sampler which was delicious. Perfectly prepared seafood. My wife had the tuna for her entree on our waiters recommendation. It was perfectly prepared and great. I had the cowboy steak which was fantastic and HUGE. We ordered the French fried beets as a side and were blown away! Never had beets like this before (shredded and flash fried). We ended our meal with the lemon merengue pie, again on our waiters recommendation since he was spot on with everything else. This was perfect. The lemon was tart and sweet at the same time. The merengue was light, airy and the perfect compliment to the lemon. I can't say enough about the experience we had (as you can see) from the service, which was fabulous, to the food. Can't wait to visit again!
(5)Sarah X.
Class up your weekend trip to AC & stop by Dock's! Pianist by the bar, seasoned and friendly waiters... mouth watering seafood mmm. The ambiance is top notch, it all makes for an extremely enjoyable evening. We had the shellfish sampler for 2, and a dozen oysters. The crab claws are to die for, the cocktails are strong. Definitely the classiest establishment in AC by far.
(5)Andrew J.
I can attest to everything Jin raved about this place. Amazing food, service, ambiance, and price wasn't out on the stratosphere. In short, this place played a significant role of making our trip!
(5)Samnang S.
I don't think I will come back to Atlantic city, but if I do, it's because of this place. Service was great and the food was delicious! The server knows his stuff so we gave him a very nice tip. It's packed for a reason, so make sure you make a reservation.
(5)Beth G.
Excellent meal. Everything from the appetizer - Maine clam chowder, to the Sea Scallops entree, finishing with the apple crumble. We were a party of six and everyone had rave reviews. Our waiter Mike was excellent and had a nice sense of humor. The hostess needs to take some lessons from him as she did not make you feel welcome at all. Thank goodness the waiter made up for that. Would recommend this to anyone and while it wasn't cheap it was well worth it.
(5)Carol L.
The best seafood on the Atlantic coast. I too had the soft Shell crab special. You get 2 crabbies. Superb! Hubby had the fried shrimp which he was very happy with. Also had some fresh cold oysters!! Yummos!! A short walk from the hotels. A must visit in Atlantic City!!
(5)Blanca S.
What a disapointment !! Oyster stew was just Milk with no flavor and the Fried Oysters were all breading and little oyster flavor!!!
(1)Wendy Y.
Open since 1897, Dock's Oyster House has been around almost as long as Atlantic City itself. Known for their seafood and steaks, as well as their warm and friendly environment, this great restaurant has been around for over three generations. If you're planning on going to Atlantic City and love food, you have to come to Dock's. A few blocks away from the casinos, it's definitely a place worth making a visit to. The first time we tried to dine here, we didn't make a reservation, which meant over an hour wait for a table. We decided not to wait, and made a reservation for a different night. When we finally made it for dinner, we were delighted by the pianist playing and singing by the bar. We ordered drinks and proceeded to peruse their extensive menu, from their raw selections, their classics, and their meat selections. After looking the menu over, we decided to stick with the raw bar. We ordered every Fresh Oyster they offered, with lemon, homemade cocktail sauce, and cider mignonette; and got an order of the Top Neck Clams on the Half Shell served with lemon and cocktail sauce. Between the 2 of us, we ordered almost 2 dozen oysters. Yes, we ordered a lot of oysters, but they were all so good! I think we could have gotten another dozen to split. The Top Neck Clams were very good too, especially when you put their horseradish on top of them. For dessert, we ordered their scrumptious Banana Cream Pie. From speaking to our server, it's one of their most popular desserts. And that it was- a perfect end to our meal. So if you're looking for great food in Atlantic City, go to Dock's Oyster House. You won't regret it.
(5)Lorenzo T.
Was in Atlantic City on Saturday with some friends. Called for a reservation after we ate breakfast that day. We got an 8:45PM reservation but got hungry early so decided to walk over at 6:30PM to see if they had any open tables. The captain instructed us that he could do something in 30 minutes. So we had a pint of their draft wiess beer, good stuff! My friends got a quick order of shrimp cocktail, 4 giant super fresh shrimp. Possibly the best shrimp they've had. They had a huge selection of different raw oysters. Our buddy Tom basically ordered what we decided was "the perfect meal." He started with the sampler, which is a combo of all the good stuff. For his main course he decided to get one of the specials. A clam bake, which contained everything in the sea, including lobster, with some tomatoes and fennel sauce goodness. Could be something you share with another person easily. The crab cakes were good, but not the best I've ever had, but still very good. No breading pan seared solid lump crab with some peppers and onions. Sauce was tasteless, but a lemon is really all you need. The thought of getting dessert had left our minds well before the last bite was taken. But everything they were serving looked really professional. Our server, Helen, was so awesome. She took her time explaining all the specials and talked to us about everything we ordered. I wish more people were this good. She had no problem splitting to check between different credit cards too. Awesome service!
(4)Z T.
It's Very small and cozy inside... I think the tables are very close together. The good and service was excellent no complaints at all...
(4)Kim N.
Excellent restaurant! The food is amazing. Lots of choices. Staff members are very attentive. Definitely recommend!
(5)TJ P.
My second visit to Dock's in about a year. Same outstanding experience that I had the first time. This place is just outstanding. From the soup, to the appetizers, the entrees, to the desserts, you won't be disappointed. The service is so professional and tactful, you have to sit back and think "So this is how a restaurant should be run." I have to mention, sadly, that the neighborhood that Dock's inhabits is not the best. I walked there with my wife after dark on a weeknight, just three blocks from the Trump casino, and it was not a pleasant experience. A man aggressively panhandled us for money right in front of Dock's, on Atlantic Avenue. On the way back, one street over, I saw a young woman and a drug dealer doing business. Police cars cruise up and down the streets, but they can't be everywhere. Drive to Dock's and use the valet service.
(5)Kristin M.
Thank you Yelp and Open Table for a great find in Atlantic City. This was a thriving local spot on a Monday night with an accompanying high decibel factor. We were seated 20 minutes late despite having a reservation and the hostesses could use customer satisfaction training as well. The wait staff was professional and attentive. The food was amazing overall.
(4)Jeannie D.
One of the best seafood houses. It's a must! To salads and main courses were great. There were 4 of us and we all had a great meal. Our waitress was the best. And they have a parking lot. I'm gone back!
(5)Chris M.
Even the butter was delicious! The food was absolutely amazing, IMHO it beats paying for casino crap any day of the week. The swordfish special was how swordfish should taste! It was cooked perfectly and was delicious. The waitstaff was friendly and knowledgeable, service was good as well.
(5)Monique C.
We finally made our highly anticipated visit to Dock's Oyster House. The Yelp reviews and paired photos naturally gave me high hopes. We drove from Philly into AC for a concert at the Trump Taj Mahal. Since we were celebrating our anniversary, we wanted to visit a small, moderately upscale, romantic restaurant; Dock's fit the description. Our reservation was for 6pm. We were at the mercy of the AC expressway and running late. I made a quick call to Dock's and the hostess was super polite and understanding. When we arrived she thanked me for calling, took our coats and reminded my boyfriend of their "no hats in the dining room" policy. The pianist in the bar area was a great touch. My boyfriend ordered beer and I ordered wine. Our appetizer medley of grilled shrimp, oysters and clams was amazing. My boyfriend ordered the stuffed flounder topped with crabmeat. He thought is was delicious. I ordered the sea scallops over broccoli rabe and mashed potatoes. It was very good. For dessert I had the cheese pie (essentially cheesecake with whipped cream) paired with raspberry sorbet on a wafer. I think I enjoyed dessert more than dinner. My boyfriend was not so impressed by the apple crisp but ate it all :-) Our waiter was friendly, witty and helpful. Be sure to make a reservation as the restaurant was full by 7pm. 5/5 for Dock's; our new favorite AC restaurant.
(5)Olga R.
Great food, lively atmosphere, little noisy. Busy and fun place!
(4)Tee B.
Arrived a few minutes late was no problem as we dined on a Monday night for my honey's birthday. Seating was fine out server RJ was the BEST and bright spot of our night. However the general manager Michael was atrocious and needs better customer service skills!!! Guessing he was frustrated because the waiters had to bus their own tables and bring out the good since the busboy had called out that day!!!! Good presentation was good, a lot for what you pay for. Lobster could have been more tender, their version of clam chowder could have been slightly thicker but the flavors were nice. Their special appetizer of the night fried oysters marina was EXCELLENT. Probably wouldn't dine here again, but it was an alright experience. Thanks again RJ
(3)B R.
Unlike other Yelpers, I tend to only write reviews for restaurants that truly deserve praise. With all that considered, I simply couldn't get to my pc fast enough to write a review of Dock's. My fiance and I went here together after seeing all the positive reviews on Yelp. As usual, the consensus was spot on. My fiance and I got there a bit early so as we waited at the bar, the team behind the bar couldn't had been more hospitable. The gentleman manning the raw bar was so willing to answer my questions and I was SO impressed with his knowledge and enthusiasm in explaining the differences in all of the oysters and clams. The bartenders were also accommodating, remaking my lady's drink for her as she felt it was too strong...Without batting an eye. I was a little surprised that you couldn't get an appetizer of baked clams, shrimp cocktail and mussels but this restaurant has been there for over 100 years...Who am I to doubt them...lol. We did get a clams appetizer in this amazing broth. The shrimp were SO fresh but I really don't know why it was so expensive for just 4 shrimp. The lobster was SO fresh...No fishy taste at all. The rolls were amazing (although the butter should be served soft...It's like a brick. Love this place and am counting the days until I return.' FANTASTIC wheat beer on tap...Awesome!
(5)Mike M.
The absolute best white clam chowder I have ever had. The Scallops were a good or better (the best I have ever had). The scallops came with brocolli rabe and mashed potatoes which were also awesome. The shrimp in the shrimp cocktail were huge and delicious. What else can I say? A perfect 10.
(5)Luna H.
Just delicious!! Really, nothing else to say. The people was super nice, the food was excellent and we just loved it!! The best thing of my trip to Atlantic City and the only reason why I would go back. So yummy...
(5)Beth R.
This was one of the best meals I've had in a while. Having made the rounds of many of Philly's steakhouses and seafood restaurants, I can honestly say that the filet I had here on Friday night was amazing. And while I was very much preoccupied with the deliciously medium rare piece of meat on my plate, the other things I ate were also really good.... including my side of yukon gold potatoes, the grilled shrimp appetizer, my date's red snapper, the Malbec by the glass, and the Baily's chocolate mousse dessert. Yes, it is a little pricey, but very much worth the $$.
(5)Christopher E.
All the food was excellent. I ordered the Pan Sauteed Red Snapper which was delicious and served over demi-glace, topped with asparagus, crabmeat, and béarnaise sauce. My girlfriend got the Sauteed Crab Cakes, which she was very happy with. I had also wanted to try the Arugula and Radicchio salad. The waiter asked if we wanted to split it so we said yes and we both got plenty of food for both of us, and no "extra plate" charge. I'm glad I didn't decide to eat the whole thing by myself. It was fantastic. For dessert we took our server's recommendation on the banana creme pie, which was that night's special. It was excellent. The coffee and tea were...ok. I ordered a dirty martini before dinner and it was made exactly the way I like it. The service was good, but not outstanding. They have only a handful of waiters covering all of the tables. Definitely one of those places where you're going to be waiting a little while for everything. We had made reservations and had to wait about 10 mins when we walked in, not a big deal, but don't expect to waltz in just because you called ahead. I am definitely a fan of Dock's. We had a really nice time. So as long as you don't mind waiting a little while for your dinner and paying a little bit more than you would at another fresh seafood restaurant, I recommend Dock's Oyster House.
(4)Kim S.
Wonderful dinner and service! I had the crab and asparagus soup and it was amazing. We will definitely go here again.
(5)Lenny L.
Excellent service and delectable food!
(4)mark f.
From chowder that tasted like water to chips in the martini glasses.the crab sauté should say butter sauce drowning the crab..lets hope it was just an off night at our expense
(1)Michael W.
Had dinner last night. My wife said that this was probably the best seafood dinner she has had. I won't give her age but suffice to say she has had many. The main course specials were prepared perfectly. The Chief knows how to cook seafood. They were "goldilocks" ..cooked just right. Service was spot on. Will, our server, provided great recommendations and was impeccable in every aspect of service. Crowded? Yes and reservations are a must for weekend even in Feb. Get out of casino dinning and bask in the best seafood restaurant around.
(5)Ashley H.
Great service, food, and wine list for a reasonable price!
(5)Jennifer T.
Fresh and traditional seafood. Great service and generous portions. Service was perfectly attentive and our waiter was pleasantly snarky.
(4)D L.
Been here a few times, at times, regardless if one has reservation, there is a wait longer than 30 mins. Not cool. However, the FOOD is amazing [Salmon] - very consistent. The service is good. The beers are fresh and fairly priced. Overall, one of my fav seafood restaurants.
(5)Staci W.
Would give it 3.5 stars. I had high expectations given the reviews. We called in our reservation as we were driving into atlantic city on a friday evening in january. Valet parking was convenient and prompt. Upon arrival we were seated right away. We both ordered the surf and turf. Portion size was good but I found it to be just ok given the prices. Tables were too close together which was a bit uncomfortable Because the tables were so close together the gentleman at the table next to us had a delicious looking fish entree and on the other side the couple had the largest slice of cake I've ever seen. I overhead the waiter encouraging the gentleman with the pasta dish to go online and write a review after he raved over his fish dish. I would return but wouldn't order the surf and turf.
(3)Phil G.
Great little small business 1 block off the boarwalk in AC. We were pleasantly surprised that we did not encounter the long waits that other people have complained about. 6pm reservations on a Friday night got us seated right away (though it had been raining all day, which may have kept some people from heading down the shore). The decor is sort of seaside-steakhouse. The service was very attentive, and the all courses (from the calamari, to the crabcakes and sea bass, to the chocolate cake) were all quality. The hostess was even nice enough to call a cab for us after dinner as it was pouring and we didnt want to walk to our show at Bally's.
(4)christina t.
A wonderful experience! My husband and I chose to celebrate our wedding anniversary at Dock's and I couldn't have been happier with our choice. The service was fabulous and we enjoyed the live piano music at the bar. We followed the recommendations of fellow yelpers and had the corn and crab chowder and calamari appetizer. For dinner, I had a fluke special and my husband had the crabmeat stuffed flounder. Both dishes were flavorful and delicious. We definitely look forward to our next visit!
(5)Kathy G.
I absolutely love this restaurant! Food is delicious, oysters are fresh and service is terrific. If you are in AC, it's a must!
(5)Ester A.
Not what I expected. My friend's crab meat dish was great while the raw bar was ehhh...shellfish platter was okay, not top notch. It came with an awkward shrimp dip ? idk but it was strange and not yummy. clams weren't the freshest but not bad. The place is small and when we arrived, it was packed. We had reservations and didn't get seated til 15 minutes later. It seemed like a madhouse, tables pushed so close together, you could barely get to your seat! wayyy to close for comfort. The waiters were like squirming to get to your table, madness. I had high expectations for this place but altogether I was a little disappointed. Too crowded and obnoxious (bus boy poured water on out table: wasn't paying attention) for the space & food wasn't the greatest (I am seafood obsessed). Not bad, but I won't be returning any time soon.. There is a alot better seafood and more comfortable restaurants in A.C.
(3)Andrea F.
amazing, great service and delicious food!! The cheese pie is amazing..get there now!
(5)Ronald J.
I'm sorry to have to write this review. Every time my wife and I come down to Atlantic City we have to have dinner at Dock's Oyster Bar. We usually visit Dock's at least three times a year. This year we tried to make a reservation this past Tuesday and Wednesday. Previously someone answered Dock's phone but this time I had to leave a message and was promised a call back. I even left one message asking if we could eat at the bar. I certainly understand if their were no reservations available but what I don't understand is Dock's not returning calls. Their message said they were going to return my call, they just didn't. I know you must be busy, which I am happy for you but Dock's please respect your customer's and do what you promised. Call them back.
(1)Esther C.
This place is definitely not a 5-star restaurant. The seafood is fresh and the menu has just the right variety of foods. Overall experience was good. I went with 4 other friends and the service was great. The food (I ordered the special scallops served with risotto and a couple appetizers), however, in general, is too salty. Scallops are under-seasoned, even though they are grilled perfectly. Lots of room for improvement.
(3)David L.
Must have caught them on a bad night...went with a big party...service was DREADFUL!
(1)Den K.
They were pretty busy so definitely make reservations. Service was good as well. Now the food: Calamari for appetizer - great! I had Wasabi Tuna - it was awesome! Not only that but even all the side items like veggies and potatoes were really good. Wife had the scallops which were also awesome as were all her side items. I can honestly say that was the best tuna I ever had and possibly the best seafood. Definitely going back.
(5)Tony V.
called and reserved a table for my wifes birthday and preordered our meal/ reservations were for 7 , we arrived about 7;10 as I hit a few more lights on the way and we were told to have a seat at the bar and a table would be ready in a few// So we had a glass of champagne each then we were seated and to my surprise a mountain of oysters and shrimp seviche was waiting for us at the table// First class all the way after that, dinner was great as it always is, we mostly do appetizers, oysters and salads but damn next time it is King Crab as so many times they passed my table and looked incredible/ service was fabulous and a nice happy birthday song and great dessert topped off the eveing!!! Well done!!!!!!
(5)Rory K.
Excellent place to sit and have a fresh seafood meal. Lovely waitress and attentive staff overall. Reasonably priced.
(5)Angie F.
mmmmmm........amazing oysters! fresh and flawless. :)
(5)Ed S.
This is our favorite place to eat. Food is amazing. Drinks are just as good. Small place but the best. PS. You have to have the oysters.
(5)Natalie B.
Five star experience! Last week my boyfriend and I were searching online for a good place to eat when visiting Atlantic City this weekend. I saw the overwhelming number of 4 and 5 star reviews for Dock's and I was sold. When I went to make the reservation online on Tuesday for Saturday night, it was almost completely booked! The only available slots were 5, 5:15 and 10 PM! So 5:15 it was. Then I used mapquest to locate where it was and fortunately for us it was just up the street from the Trump Plaza where we were staying! So we just walked it took 5 minutes and was very easy to find. We arrived about 10 minutes before our reservation and we got seated right away. Yes, the tables are pretty close to each other but it was not a big deal at all. Our waitress was so nice and polite and knowledgable. Always had a smile on her face, refreshing! Our waters were always full and the food came out perfectly. What we ordered: Oysters Rockefeller: Such a good appetizer. I never had oysters before but these were made very delicious with spinach and melted cheese. It came with 5 so my boyfriend and I split it and it was just enough for us. Pan Seared Red Snapper: WOW this was delicious. I wanted to try something different and this was a great choice! The bernaise and demi glace sauces were so tasty, and there was a good handful of pieces of lump crab meat on top with asparagus and peppers. I ate every last drop! Filet Mignon: My boyfriend ordered the 12 oz filet, which he loved! I had a bite of both the filet and the yukon gold mashed potatos that came on the side and enjoyed it so much I would definitely consider getting it next time. Dessert!!! Banana Caramel Cream Pie: This was a special when we went and ahh it was yummy. My boyfriend and I were so surpsied at the size of our desserts. Big slices!! We definitely could've shared one. Now we know haha. Joe's Cheese Pie: My boyfriend really liked this, I had a bite and it was definitely not a regular cheesecake, it was so light and whipped, very enjoyable to eat. It came with raspberry sorbet which was tart and sweet at the same time, went great with the pie. Overall, for all the food we got the bill came to $90, but it was WELL worth it. The desserts are especially reasonably priced and the portions were very good. I will definitely be coming back in the future! Just be advised, make your reservations asap! (:
(5)Todd P.
This was a bright spot to an otherwise horrible trip to Atlantic City. We went to AC for a conference in January and the city absolutely depressed and disgusted us. Our hotel was surrounded by pawn shops, liquor stores, and empty lots and we were greeted by a security guard long before we saw any hotel staff. It was so bad that we didn't stay our second night. Dock's however was the one highlight to the trip. It's definitely old school, but I had an awesome clam chowder and huge bone-in rib eye steak, and our service was really good. I would definitely like to go again, though I don't know if I would given how depressing I found AC to be.
(4)Chris Y.
I went here on Sunday night and the food was truly fantastic. The staff were very attentive and friendly. The ambience is nice as it had some festive deocrations to the place. I had the miso crusted tuna as the main and the chocolate dessert for dinner. Both were excellent. My friend had three oysters and loved each one. She got the salmon special. Prices are ok for seafood and comparable to NYC. I would recommend coming back!
(5)Jenn D.
Thank you, Yelp. I don't think I will ever go to a "fancy" casino restaurant again when visiting AC, I'll go to Dock's instead. We had pecan-crusted salmon, lamb chops, salmon wellington with lobster beurre blanc, and flounder with crabmeat, as well as a wicked awesome banana carmel pie. Portions are generous, you'll probably be stuffed, and everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. The food is fine dining and the space has a traditional feel, but the vibe is very friendly, genuine and warm, not stuffy. When I made a reservation on OpenTable (you definitely should make reservations), I mentioned we were going for my grandma's birthday in the comments, and with no additional discussion they came out with a candle at dessert and sang to her. Very smooth. :) You just get the sense that the staff loves good food and loves taking care of people, and IMO that's the best kind of place to eat. Prices are "special occasion," yes, but a great value and sky-high quality, especially compared to casino dining. We had dinner and dessert and a bottle of wine for 4, and probably spent the same as 2 people would at a fine dining casino restaurant. I've eaten in a bunch of casino restaurants, trust me, and I can't recommend going a little "off the grid" to Dock's enough!
(5)Jin S.
My boyfriend took me to Dock's Oyster House and we had such a great time at this place. As soon as we walked into the restaurant, the piano music welcomed us. We were greeted by our server Will, who was very knowledgeable and courteous. Oysters were very fresh and melted in the mouth. The sea scallop entree was particularly amazing. It came with a trio of freshly sauteed spinach, creamy mashed potatoes, and grilled tomatoes. From start to finish, the whole dinning experience was nothing short of spectacular. It truly made our night. I recommend this place.
(5)Tommy L.
A birthday dinner that didn't disappoint. Started with a few oysters on the half shell that you can pick out (blue points, peacock etc) and they were good and briny. The GF got a oyster stew, which I thought was bland. For our main dish, I got the Fluke. I wasn't familiar with the fish but our server recommended it and he was spot on. The Fluke was stuffed with crab meat and cooked with spinach and other veggies. The dish was well prepared and really good. The GF had the Red Snapper and it was very good as well. To top things off, we had the Banana Caramel Cream pie, a decadent slice of pie. Service was very good and attentive. The only negative, this place gets packed, so the tables are squeezed together. The place is popular, so reservations are a must. A very good option if you want upscale seafood in Atlantic City.
(4)Allen H.
I tried Dock's for the first time on Resturant week in AC, however on the last day after I was seated with my family I was informed they wasn't participating on that day. Well after that tid bit of info, we decided to continue our dinner there. The Maine clam chowder was ok and the stuffed flounder was about average. The desert " Cheese Pie" was very rich but I've had better. Bottom line is if you want "OK" food for a hefty price, this is the place. If you want more....then keep looking.
(2)Aman S.
This place was good. I would go again. I just can't remember what I had there.
(4)Trang N.
So lady luck did not follow me to AC, but the food goddess, Edesia did. With the ringing and dinging of the slots, the cigarettes at the gambling tables, and zombie faces of people trying to test their luck, it's a huge wake up to endure this type of environment. Needing a little fresh air? Wanting to feel like you're in the mafia? Yes, I can definitely relate. The one thing about Atlantic City that people always mistaken it for is that the only thing to it is the boardwalk and the hotels that run along it. But I will beg to differ, located off the boardwalk in the dump town of AC you have an amazing seafood restaurant full of history, passed down and owned by the same family. I've never had so many amazing seafood dishes in my life, and very generous portions. So this is how I roll it when it comes to Docks A) Make reservations (no butts because unless you're a somebody they will have no qualms in turning you away if you don't have a reservation) B) Make sure to pick up all calls that day, because they will call to confirm. So don't be surprise if your reservation went missing because you didn't pickup the phone. I make reservations through open table all the time, and I have one of those smartphones where it will send an email, if for some reason the reservation was canceled. (Happened to me once, and I had to immediately call them to reconfirm) C) Split the crab caesar salad with someone, it is absolutely huge! D) Smile as I eat some of the best seafood. This is where I can say I am full of smiles. Anyone need some? I'm selling them extra cheap.
(5)Steve S.
Was really looking forward to trying Dock's. While the food was good and fresh, I didn't care for their style of New England Clam Chowder. It was very light with whole clams still in the shell...it wasn't bad, just not quite to my liking - however, our server did explain how it was prepared and served when we ordered. I also didn't care for their steamed clams. They were tiny, and the broth was too sweet - not savory enough. The soft-shell crab entree was very good as were the sides.
(3)C B.
Eat here!! The food--- everything is amazing... the service is incredible.... The pianist in the front adds a warm touch!! I wish I lived closer... The oysters are some of the best I've had ( ever)!!!! You will not be disappointed !!! I love this place!!
(5)Andrew S.
Amazing menu, and amazing staff. Our waitress was the friendliest I've ever encountered and her suggestions were flawless. What a wonderful place to bring your significant other!
(5)Annie N.
The food was amazing! One of the best seafood restaurant in Atlantic city.
(5)Hens B.
Like other reviewers, we decided on this restaurant based on the stellar reviews here on Yelp, and they are absolutely spot on. This is a bustling place with a long history, a very friendly staff, and of course, excellent food. We had the oyster sampler, the tuna tartare and the sauteed soft shell crabs, plus a side of the puffed fries. Desert was a spectacular cheese pie. Even though we shared everything, we left quite sated. Highly recommended! And yes, absolutely make reservations.
(5)Jeffrey R.
Always a great meal except on this particular evening, the "aprons" we're not removed from the soft shell crabs (part of the cleaning process). Drinks and value are always excellent. We will return.
(4)Atiya N.
Sensational! Seafood is so fresh. Fried foods so light, and food is impeccably spiced. Had a delightful meal here. Will be back again!
(5)Michael E.
Dock's is pricey, no doubt - but don't be scared, it's doable and absolutely 100% worth every penny. I've eaten regularly almost everywhere in Atlantic City (and surrounding area) and can absolutely state with no amount of uncertainty that Dock's is the OVERALL BEST place! Do yourself a favor and get out of your casino and go to Dock's.
(5)Scott C.
Classic, fresh and really really great. They have a wide variety of fresh oysters. The long island mediums were by far the best. In addition, the appetizer sampler with clams casino, oysters rockefeller and grilled shrimp were a perfect complement to the raw oysters. Entrees were very well balanced in terms of texture and flavor. To top it off, everything came out piping hot. Why would you eat at a casino when there is such good food with great service. If the dinner wasnt enough, the mango and berry pie was a perfect end. Berries were plump and the mangos firm. It couldnt taste any more fresh than this.
(5)Manny V.
Stopped by the Dock's Oyster House my last trip to Atlantic City. The place has a long history and I heard the food was excellent so my wife and I decided to stop in and give it a try. The food here is EXCELLENT! You will not be sorry! The Oysters themselves (based on the season and what they have in stock) are plump, tender and tasty! I had the Filet Mignon with Golden Mash Potatoes and a side of Lobster Mac & Cheese - that's right I said Lobster Mac & Cheese...and it is to die for! My main entree was cooked perfectly. The Filet was tender and juicy and the brown hollandaise sauce was delicious! The potatoes were very good with a garlic/butter favor to them. The service is top notch and the waiters and staff are extremely friendly, You feel quite at home here in no time. I may have not won the big jackpot at any of the casino's but I felt like a winner at Dock's!
(5)Sandra F.
Thanks to all the yelpers for helping me pick Dock's as the one nice meal I'd get to eat on my AC vacation - as the other nights of Halloween weekend i spent at Phish at Boardwalk Hall. As first timers in AC the only thing we kept hearing was "dont walk west!" for fear of some kind of Boardwalk Empire crime spree on us. So I will say we were a little apprehensive in our stroll over but once we got there - oh boy! The best thing about this place was the value for what you get. After ordering a humongous three-tiered seafood platter that looks like whats called "the second mortgage" at Joe's stone crab, bouillabaisse dishes and heavy pasta dishes - plus drinks we were quite frightened when the bill arrived. At first we thought they made a mistake it was so reasonable. So if you're in AC, looking for some old school class, a great meal and aren't afraid to walk west - hit up Docks!
(4)Stephanie P.
I went to Dock's a few weeks ago for my father's birthday with my parents and my girlfriend. My father had chosen the restaurant, and had his heart set on dining here, based off of a suggestion from his brother- a restaurant owner himself. Originally, we had tried to get a reservation for Friday night, before The Who Turns 50 concert at Boardwalk Hall. However, the restaurant was booked until much later (another indicator that our efforts to eat here would pay off), so we decided on an early dinner Saturday at Dock's. Our reservation was for 4:30 PM, but the restaurant doesn't actually open until 5 PM. The staff was very accommodating and assured us that this was not an issue. We were promptly led into the restaurant and offered drinks while we waited for our table. It was not long before we were seated. Our waiter was very friendly and knowledgable about the items on the menu. He offered advice for wine pairings, oyster descriptions, and daily specials. For our first course, we ordered a variety of raw oysters - a few Cape May Salts and Malpaques, steamed clams in a red sauce (another suggestion of my uncle's), and oysters parmigiana. Everything was EXCELLENT! Even the table bread was hard to resist. The oysters were so fresh and flavorful, the steamed clams had the perfect amount of spice, and the oysters parmigiana were moist and tender- executed perfectly for such a unique dish. It's hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to, I would choose the steamed clams. That red sauce was so good, we practically licked the plate clean -luckily, we had managed to resist a few pieces of bread, and used what was left of it to soak up the sauce! It was hard to imagine that the food could get any better after that, but boy was I wrong! For my main dish, I had ordered one of the specials, soft shell crabs. My father had ordered another one of the specials, although I can't remember what it was. My mother had the scallops, and my girlfriend had the crab cakes. I tried everyone's dish, and they were all so delicious, bursting with flavor, and amazingly fresh. While they were all exceptional dishes, I have to say that my soft shell crabs were hands down the best dish of the day! Having grown up around fine dining, I can be a bit critical at times when it comes to food (in the best way possible, of course), so it takes a lot for me to consider a dish perfect. I would not hesitate to say that those crabs were perfect, the BEST soft shell crabs I've EVER had! The service was magnificent throughout our experience. Our meal was pleasantly ended with a birthday desert, complimentary of the kitchen, which we enjoyed with each other and simultaneously with our table neighbors, who were also celebrating a birthday. The chef came out to visit each table and ask about our meals, so I was sure to praise him for the fabulous soft shell crabs, which he was very proud of. Nothing makes a great meal more personal than being able to thank the chef after a fantastic meal. My family and I were very satisfied with our trip to Dock's. The meal itself was a bit pricey, but absolutely worth it considering the extremely fresh and well executed quality of each individual item on the menu. Dock's provided us with great food, excellent service, and an amazing experience. I can't wait for my next visit to Dock's!
(5)Jeff P.
I have dined at several famous name in casino restaurants. I think Dock's is the best restaurant I have been to in Atlantic City. The dining room is very nice and comfortable. Our waitress, Patty, was very welcoming, knew the menu well and made us feel like special guests, and she never left us waiting for service. There were many seafood choices on the menu that sounded terrific. And the dishes we had, Swordfish special, Flounder Francaise, Flounder with potato crust, and Crab cakes were very enjoyable. The salads and soup were excellent too. The only issue i could mention is that I felt the food could have been served hotter. We did not order dessert as we very too full from the dinners and we were going to a show. We will definitely come back here again.
(4)C M.
This place is a must try if you're ever in the area. You can cab it from the casinos for about 15 bucks or so. I loved the ambiance as soon as we walked in--piano player and the raw bar (meticulously clean), and a friendly hostess greeted us at the door. We had reservations, and I would definitely recommend that any time after 5 on the weekend. It's a little crowded (tables are very close to each other), but it wasn't unbearable. Our server, Kim, was just delightful. She was very attentive, knew the menu (and specials) very well, and was spot on with her recommendations on drinks and food. We both ordered specials--flounder topped with crab and served over a tomato based spinach sauté. Excellent. I had the salmon with shrimp, however, I had a craving for meat that evening too, and Kim suggested filet mignon be added on. O M G is all I can say. I think that was THE best steak I have ever had anywhere! It literally melted in my mouth. For appys we had clams on the half shell and crab cocktail. Again, very fresh. This is definitely my new go to whenever I'm in that area again.
(5)Kim N.
Went to Dock's as part of a Bday weekend in AC with a few friends. Reservation for 8 was for around 830 because we were such a large party. The place was small-ish, but man! the food! Yes! First, I love love seafood so if you're not into seafood, then I would get the lamb. A couple of friends had the lamb and it was cooked excellently. Second, come hungry, because my eyes were so big I got apps and soup and an entree. Mostly me being a fatty. Apps to get: fried calamari, of course -- raw oysters, yes (if you're into that), fried oyster parma was a special, it was good -- maine clam chowder, delish, I only wish it was thicker and a tad less salty, but I think this was because of the bacon -- fried seafood basket will definitely knock you over, haha, share with a friend. A friend was a vegetarian, but went bc it was my bday -- she said the salad was on point and the fried onion rings delish. Staff was super friendly and service good. No real complaints, will definitely go again.
(4)Linda H.
The best dinner we had on the Jersey Shore the week we spent there. Bill was a wonderful and helpful server. The food was beyond words. My husband said the asparagus soup was the best he had ever eaten My scallop dinner was perfectly prepared. If in Atlantic City....don't miss this restaurant.
(5)Jessie V.
Whenever I come to South Jersey (Jersey Shore) I always crave seafood. I wanted the full authentic seafood restaurant experience and what I got was just that. For a Sunday dinner my boyfriend and I got a table right away, seated next to a party of 15 men drinking wine, laughing and yelling across the table in their Jersey accents and loved every minute of it. It seems like normally it would be quite and romantic but this was obviously an exception. We started with drinks; a glass of white wine for me and a Manhattan for the guy and munched on the warm rolls. We only ordered entrees but were fully satisfied with just that. I went back and forth between the flounder with crab meat and the flounder special but I opted for the original. Without over indulging I don't think I've had a better seafood dish. The fish was cooked perfectly and there were actual lumps of sweet crab, bell peppers and mushrooms that melted in my mouth. My boyfriend thoroughly enjoyed his Filet Mignon with vegetables on the side in a savory red wine glaze that was grilled just how he likes it. I don't even like red meat and I enjoyed a few bites.
(5)Vickie T.
For 8 years, I have passed this place on my way to the outlets and to work, and decided to finally give it a try during restaurant week. The food was great. I even liked the horseradish that they serve with the bread. For the appetizer, I ordered the crab and asparagus soup, which was creamy and full of crab meat. For the entree, I had the crab stuffed flounder. The flounder was slightly dry. I would have been happy with just the crab meat, the sauce, and some privacy to lick the plate clean. For dessert, I chose the key lime pie, which hit the spot. The tart flavor of the pie was refreshing and balanced out the creamy dishes I had ordered. Oh man, I was so uncomfortably full by the end of dinner because I couldn't stop eating! I will definitely return to try other items on the menu, especially the clam chowder and banana cream pie that was frequently mentioned by fellow yelpers.
(4)Kym B.
The seafood here is amazing! Loved it. Spouse had filet and raved. It was rather crowded and noisy, but the food makes up for that. Simply amazing.
(5)Deb M.
We were looking for a St. Patrick's Day experience without the loud and drunken crowds and this was the perfect place! Delicious Shrimp Ceviche to start, & a simple but great House Salad. My husband said his Crab stuffed Flounder was a tad bland but the special of Salmon Galway was to die for! We'll definitely be back!
(4)Sherie Lou S.
EXCELLENT! Came in for a bachelorette party dinner, and had a wonderful experience starting with the hostess, to the food, to the wait staff (AMAZING Wait staff! Thanks to Kim!), to the patrons. Food was ON POINT. Fresh oysters were delicious, fried oysters were spectacular, soft shell crab was DELECTABLE!!! Lobster was fresh and cooked perfectly. Cheese pie was offf the chaaaain. Overall a great experience. I highly suggest it, anad would go back if I make it back to AC.
(4)Rita M.
On a recent trip to AC, I sought a break from the pricey casino restaurants and wanted seafood. Dock's is tucked away on a less than pretty street but it has a private parking lot so that is an enormous plus. We were warmly greeted upon entering and I was happy to see live piano playing. Nice touch. Our server RJ was very friendly as was the front of house staff. Definitely a much older crowd, which I liked. It showed me that this was probably a place people have visited for years. Pros: the food is definitely tasty. I got an oyster sampler and the scallop entree. The oysters were extremely fresh and the burst of apple cider vinegar enhanced the oceanic flavor. My scallops were plated with cooked spinach (not broccoli rabe) and tomatoes as well as hearty mashed potatoes. They were seasoned and cooked well. The dish was satisfying without being too heavy for a summer evening. Cons: Allegedly they just installed a new phone service. I needed to call Dock's to tell them we were running late and prior to that, I had to confirm my reservation. It was almost impossible to get someone on the phone. I hope their telephone issues are resolved soon because this was a problem. Additionally, the time between each dish was pretty long. We arrived ravenous so waiting 20 min between getting our water and the oysters, then another 20 for the entrees was excruciating. Also, I don't know if those puffed oyster crackers and horseradish on the table are some kind of regional snack, but if not, it seems pretty unsanitary and bizarre. In summary, don't come to Dock's if you are in a hurry. They were pretty busy on a Sunday night and service wasn't exceptional. That said, the food is not too pricey and very well-prepared.
(3)John S.
Sorry not succinct, but this place perplexes me. My overall feeling was that it was subpar but OTH, it's packed and the people next to us were frequent diners there and love the place. So, I'll chalk it up to a single bad experience but there's no way I'm going back. My wife's oysters, and she's a pro at them, were excellent. She was very pleased and I'd expect that from a place with this name and ratings. Her main of Oysters Rockefeller were just OK, in her opinion. I ordered the Maine Clam Chowder and the Beef and Reef. I couldn't believe their "Maine Clam Chowder" was that crappy. It was so milky and watery with a bunch of opened clams in the middle. There was absolutely no substance to any of it. You could have taken it with a straw if it wasn't for the small pieces of cabbage, or something in it. Terribly diluted. Pass on it. Beef and Reef ($64): the filet was eh, and not great quality. The tail, and my wife and I agreed, was absolutely tasteless (and tough), she thought frozen. The butter didn't even help it. Then, they de-shell it for me but left bits of hard shell for some reason, so my 4th piece, crack, I bite into this small triangular shaped piece of shell and thought my tooth cracked, two bites later, same thing. I gave up and said I was done w/70% of the lobster left. No one asked if there was anything wrong, etc. It all "looked" great but that's all. Michael, our server, was very nice and pleasant.
(2)Aliyia P.
Went in last night with friends. I didn't eat but did have a bite of the scallop dish with spinach and it was great. What I did have was a great Negroni, the bf had a boulevaider which he enjoyed as well as a spicy tequila drink not on the menu. The bartender was awesome and we closed the restaurant singing with the pianist!
(4)Diane S.
We lived in Atlantic City for years and never visited Dock's, thinking it was a tourist trap. What we were missing. Went during a convention in AC this summer. The pecan encrusted salmon was to die for. Excellent service and great food. There looked to be a lot of local's eating. It is pricey, but we can't wait to return. Has that Old World feel about it.
(5)Aleksandra R.
Best lobster tail I've ever had. I had to save some of it to take home just to enjoy it the next day. It really was a feast for the senses I must say. I can understand why the place was so packed the night I decided to go. Nice little place close to the beach. The hostess was polite and found a table in a short period of time. As I said before the place was packed. It was a little too loud where you can't hear the other people you may or may not be with which if you're planning to have a conversation, that's probably not the best place to go. Also the tables are way to close together. I hate eating next to a stranger and feel like I'm in their group. Other than the noise and the tables being too close; everything was super nice. The food was great. I had clam chowder soup and before that the bread with butter was nice. Then for my main course I ordered the Brazilian lobster tail. And needless to say it was tender and delicious. I think they served it with a baked potato and veggies. Best lobster tail I have ever tasted. I finished with dessert which I think it was cheesecake. I will surely return there if I'm in the area.
(5)Rebecca H.
My husband and I went here to celebrate our anniversary. The hostess was very nice, and wished us a happy anniversary. We were seated a few minutes after our reservation, which was fine. I ordered the key lime pie martini and didn't care for it. My husband ordered the sour apple, and it was OK. We ordered the calamari for starters, and we enjoyed it a lot. The pieces were huge! I ordered the scallops for my entree, and they were absolutely delicious. My husband had flounder topped with crab. We both loved our meals. We also ordered the "mint chocolate ice cream" pie- which was really just ice cream in a pie shell, but still tasty. We thought that it was a fancy place, but it really wasn't. Some people weren't dressed for the place, it seemed! The atmosphere was lively and a bit noisy, but fun. I would recommend it to anyone. Our server was excellent.
(4)Stephanie F.
This is a fancy schmancy place; it has a no hat policy. :( The food is good, good sized portions. The Maine clam chowder was delicious. I also ordered the seared scallops, which were huge (I could only eat one and a half of the three); I could have had them cooked just a little more. I subbed spinach for the usual broccoli rabe and the spinach needed more seasoning. The dinners do not come with a soup or salad option, so you'll have to spend the extra $8-$12, in addition to the $26-$40 main course, if you want either of those options. I'd like to see the 6.5lb lobster for $98 in person! We were just traveling through the city on business, but I can't say that I'd come back, unless it was for an appetizer or for the raw bar portion. A little too fancy and there are lots more other places in Atlantic City I'd like to try. That being said, this a good place to bring a first date or an anniversary dinner.
(4)Diana C.
We had a 545 PM reservation on a Friday night. Please note: this restaurant is not on the boardwalk and about a block from the trump plaza. I usually stick with boardwalk restaurants but after trying this one I am definitely going to attempt more restaurants off the boardwalk. We were seated promptly and our server came over immediately after seating. I was shocked how many patrons there were by 545. Throughout our meal- we noticed the restaurant filling up quickly and after eating you can definitely realize why. We ended up splitting blue point oysters, oysters marinara. Wow. The marinara oysters was a special but they definitely should try to add it to te menu. It was delicious! For my meal, I had the recommended wasabi tuna and my boyfriend had the scallops. The wasabi tuna is a great meal- I requested the tuna raw and wow- so delicious. The tuna virtually melted in your mouth. Definitely recommend. All in all, would definitely come back! Great Time, service was fantastic and food was perfect!
(5)Stuart B.
Very very cold. Even after going out for more to wear we shivered until they reseated us. Once reseated at a cold but liveable table, Amy greated us promptly and explained the specials. We split a special sole over spinich. They served it in two soup bowls. Together with excellent oyster crackers dinner was five stars. They don't permit hats ??????? So I guess observant Muslims and Jews aren't welcome, nevertheless Dock's was full of happy but cold diners.
(3)Eric H.
I planned on taking babe to Docks as we love oysters. This wasn't this trip so yesterday we didn't have reservations. The wait time we were told was an hour. We actually waited about 30 minutes. Food was well worth the wait. Of course we had oyster appetizer that were banging. Joan our server bumbled our appetizer order but that benefited us cause she didn't take the appetizer back that we didn't order - clams casino!! Also good. Meal was great. Drinks had something to yearn for. Only had one drink as
(4)Jill L.
YUM! Great clams the half shell -- fresh and briny! The BEST fried oysters. Terrific wait staff -- mike made the meal. This is one you don't want to miss. In business since 1917 and ther
(5)K G.
Docks is my go-to anytime I visit Atlantic City. As a matter of fact, I would drive from N.Y. to Atlantic City just to eat at Docks. I've never had a bad meal here but the menu items that have stood out are the oyster stew, the seared scallops and of course the raw oysters with my favorites being the Peacocks, and the Cape May Salts. It's is by far the most consistent seafood restaurant I have ever dined in. Amazingly good food every time.
(4)Jeffrey K.
Really good find! Very old school seafood, fish and steakhouse. Reminded me of the 16th street Bookbinders of old in Philly. Great wait staff, well poured cocktails. Terrific unusual salads. Excellent fish (pistachio crusted tuna) and my wife had sautéed crab. Both with different delicious vegetables. Homemade desserts to die for. Who has strawberry rhubarb pie anymore? Looking forward to going back with friends, soon.
(4)Zee Z.
Food is absolutely wonderful. Staff is professional, cheery and helpful. Can be expensive but totally worth it.
(5)Kimberly T.
There is a reason why this restaurant is ranked one of the best in AC and I fully support this! My experience here was phenomenal. First off the service was great and the food was so flavorful, delicious and so fresh! My boyfriend and I started with two appetizers: steamed clams and oyster marinara special. Both amazing! The steamed clams were so juicy and big and there was a nice kick to them as they marinated in the sauce. Oysters were also great too! It was my first time trying them. For our entrees- I got the fish and crab. My boyfriend got the seared sea scallops. Both were so yummy, I've never tasted anything so good. They definitely know how to do seafood the right way. Words of advice: make a reservation ahead of time. They use open table so definitely take advantage of it! You'll be waiting a long time if you don't. The hostess in the front is great and very accommodating too. She really welcomes you in. One thing I will say that is a negative is the location of this place. It's off the boardwalk on atlantic ave and you can go through some pretty sketchy streets. You better walk fast or take a cab to be safe. I LOVE this place and I will be back for more - It's definitely worth every penny.
(5)Taylor F.
Took a bride-to-be here for dinner on her bachelorette weekend. We had a party of 8 and made a reservation for Friday night at 8pm. We weren't seated until closer to 9pm and the hostess seemed frazzled to say the least. Never a good start to get behind on reservations.The place was packed and there wasn't even enough room to stand inside and enjoy the air conditioning. It was a hot August night and you were forced to sweat it out on the sidewalk out front. We had an awesome waitress. Very attentive and she didn't seem to mind that we constantly had her running to the bar for our drinks. Also handled it rather well that the bride was being rude to her about her food. The martinis were excellent and they had a nice sweet white wine, although the name has escaped me. For dinner I ordered the Flounder and Crab Meat for $29.00. Which was baked flounder stuffed with crab meat served with a creamy sauce of tomatoes, mushrooms and paired with asparagus. Sadly It's not the best seafood I've had in AC but it was far from the worst. I did have amazing soup (the special of the day)!! But in hindsight I'm not sure why I ordered soup in August must have been the martinis doing the ordering. 2 stars for making us wait. 4.5 stars for service. 4 stars for the food. Overall it was an okay experience.
(3)Sheena N.
Banana cream pie. It is the best I've ever had or hope to have! Seriously...When I eat this stuff its like you're taken to heaven and you feel like you have to savor every single morsel because there is only so much you can eat. It's velvety without being watery or goopy. It's luscious, refreshing, and not too sweet. This sounds crazy but I would come back to Atlantic City from SF just so I can come to Dock 's for this stiff. It is That good.
(5)Kari C.
We decided to give Dock's a try based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews posted on Yelp. We are so grateful because we would have truly missed a treat had we ventured elsewhere. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a very kind valet who instructed us to park on the street in front of the restaurant. This was a welcomed gesture and truly made us feel like VIP on our four-year wedding anniversary dinner. Docks restaurant is tiny. People were packed in the dining area like sardines! Nobody looked uncomfortable, but this was a very crowded night. The hostess was kind and greeted us with a smile. We were seated fairly quickly. However, I would not recommend going here without a reservation, because seating is tight. We were lucky enough to get a table in the center area and had plenty of space to move around. The Apps: We ordered calamari and Manhattan clam chowder. My husband raved about the calamari and truly enjoyed the fresh, light texture. The Manhattan clam chowder was excellent. It included clams still in the shell. The soup itself was excellent and very well seasoned, however it was a bit watery as other reviewers have noted. We would totally order both again. Disclaimer- people who actually eat those oyster crackers are brave souls! They look like they are more for decoration than eating. The Entree: I ordered a 2 pound lobster, but the kitchen only had 2.25lbs available so I went with that. Lobster came with baked potato and roasted veggies. We also ordered a side of sautéed broccoli rabe. The broccoli rabe was okay, I could skip this in the future because the included sides are enough. My husband ordered Docks Seafood Fry. He loved his meal and would order it again. Service: One of the employees brought over water promptly and politely explained that our waiter would be available right away. An older man, who was supposed to be our waiter walked over to our table and grabbed the silverware. He walked away without saying a word - this was awkward, but we read fellow reviews about some nasty waiters and figured that this must be the guy that they were talking about. Another server came over and took our order. He was very kind and attentive. At the end of the evening he graciously shook our hand and thanked us again for the tip. The total bill was $100 and we tipped about $25 which brought everything to about $125. Overall: Great little spot in AC - would recommend going!
(4)Chris C.
We went to Docks based upon a local bartenders recommendation and had a great dining experience. Appetizer medley, crab caesar salad, potato crusted flounder, pecan crusted salmon, chocolate bday cake, magic hat no.9 on draft, great food, service and ambiance...has to be one of the best restaurants in AC.
(5)Colleen M.
AMAZING!!!!! Tonight is my first time in Atlantic city and this place is absolutely incredible. My boyfriend and I are from New York and both huge foodies, this place did not disappoint. I love New England style clam chowder and their Maine chowder was the best I have ever had. We literally cleaned all of our plates!!! I wish I could post a picture of our food but we ate it so quickly that there was nothing to photograph!! Service was great and food was just as amazing. Bartender was great and made excellent cocktails as well. I believe his name was Dimitri... Best cocktails that we have had throughout our entire stay here. He also suggested almost all of the food that we ordered which was incredible. All around great experience and can't wait to come back.
(5)Jenny F.
Absolutely amazing all around. The staff was extremely helpful and attentive. We had the steak and salmon which were both excellent. The portions are huge but not lacking in quality or taste. If you are in the area you must go! They even accommodated us without a reservation!
(5)Abel V.
This place is as good as it gets! Great service! Phenomenal food and great ambiance! A little tight in some tables but everything else makes up for it. The dishes were phenomenal, fresh and right on point! We had the Appetizer Medley and it was delicious! For our main dishes we had the pan sauteed red snapper & the flounder and crab meat. Both dishes were prepared to perfection! Will make it a point to hit this spot if I'm in the area. I suggest making reservations as this place is packed all the time!
(5)Mary Ann Keogh K.
An awesome start to an Atlantic city getaway The scallops were wonderful crispy seared to perfection. The halibut with crab and wine sauce was out of this world. We started with the oysters marinara which were the largest most delicious oysters we have ever tasted. The banana cream pie was a perfect ending to a great meal
(5)Alex K.
Amazing service, great cocktails, the homemade deserts are amazing. Oh...yeah..the food...excellent!
(5)Shulin T.
Atrocious oyster stew! It was blend and diluted with a stingy amount of oysters. Go somewhere else.
(1)Tim M.
Old school atlantic city. Very nice. Very cool. Great place to bring a date. Recently took my wife on her bday. Made reservations a week in advance, made a note on the form and asked for a private or semi private table. .... no such thing, out in the middle of the floor being walked around the whole time. On to the food, had calamari app and a bowl or I should say a vat of oyster stew. Calamari was perfectly cooked, but small. Oyster stew was delicious, not too thick, which is common of cream based soups and loaded with fresh oysters that were dropped in right before it was served. Excellent. Entrées were next. I had seared scallops over a bed of risotto in a lobster cream sauce. Outstanding. Scallops were cooked to perfection. It was the servers recommendation. Thanks! Wife had the pecan crusted salmon. Large piece of perfectly cooked fish. Crust was a bit much. Very sweet, good, but tasted more like dessert than dinner. Servers were attentive and sang the birthday song to my wife. All very friendly and accommodating. A very nice time and with great food in an awesome atmosphere. Downside and the reason for 4 stars... came with complimentary valet parking. Dude looked like a crackhead, pillhead whatever. Came out of the restaurant and found him chilling out in our car. Caught him off guard. Glad nothing was in the car. Very awkward. We would return, but I will take my keys next time.
(4)Tom J.
The best seafood in A.C. We have never been disappointed and every meal has been over the top. Service is friendly and attentive. Don't leave without trying one of the in house desserts.
(5)Alexandra E.
Wow! This place is amazing! Everything from the oysters, to the desert, to the waitstaff was incredible! We will definitely be coming here again when we are in town. We had one of each oyster for the table and my favorite one was the Malpaque. As an appetizer, we also had the tuna tartar. It was good, but not too crazy for it. For entrees, I had the pecan crusted salmon. This is the reason why I will be coming back! It's to die for! My fiancé had the potato crusted flounder and it was amazing. It's an interesting dish as its one of the original dishes from when Dock's first opened. For desert, we had a slice of their amazing cheesecake! A must try when you are there!
(5)Ruth L.
Stayed in AC for our anniversary weekend and decided to have our anniversary dinner at Dock's because of the great reviews. Plus, we were craving seafood! We had a reservation for 6:15 and we were there and seated on the dot. Gary was incredibly pleasant and helpful when he greeted us, talked about the specials, and answered any questions. I was torn between the crab cake, seared scallops, and baked stuffed (with crab) flounder. We started with their soup special, a crab corn chowder which was amazing. Gary asked us if we'd like to split it into two separate bowls without us even asking - and good thing we did! It was plenty for an appetizer and delicious. My boyfriend wanted tuna tartar and although I'm not a fan of the texture, it was pretty good. It was larger than expected but he finished it. I ended up getting the stuffed flounder which was pretty good. The crab was great as was the sauce and asparagus, but I felt the flounder was a little dry. Perhaps I wasn't generous enough with the sauce. My boyfriend got the scallops and they were served on a bed of spinach that day as well as mashed potatoes. I should have gotten that because I stole two and they were amazing! Gary was incredibly fun and thoughtful. I would definitely recommend stopping by. It looks incredibly classy but everyone is very friendly and casual. There's also free valet. Edit: I forgot to add that we also had calamari since we get calamari every time whenever it's available. It was the best calamari I've ever had - the breading was light and not at all greasy. The calamari itself was just the right texture and was very fresh!
(5)Chris A.
I love this place. I will not visit New Jersey unless I know that Dock's is on the agenda. I've eaten here at least thirty times in the last ten years, and have always been delighted with everything that I've ordered. Spectacular service, the staff is tip top. The lovely German lady that plays the piano, next to the bar, is a sweetheart and plays the songs that make my heart sing. I cannot wait to travel 110 miles, by car, just to eat here. A great start, middle, and end to a weekend retreat in New Jersey.
(5)Rhino V.
Excellent. Great Service & food.
(5)Rushan S.
When hitting a casino town, one should avoid the hotel restaurants and utilize good ol Yelp for better suggestions. After some research, we settled on this famous establishment, which opened its doors in 1897. Here, we celebrated our elder daughter's 21st birthday. She had her drivers license in handy to show off her legal drinking age (gulp!). Dock's has high professional standards. Each employee was courteous and prompt. Food was well cooked. We all enjoyed our respective dishes. I wouldn't rave about their food, but it is a solid choice if one were to come to AC and have seafood. If ordering drinks and desserts as well, prices should between 60 to 80 per person (including tip and tax) Service 5 stars Food 4 stars Ambiance 4 stars, tables were too close to each other .. lots of history here... steakhouse feel
(4)William F.
Now this is an amazing restaurant. This place reminded me of how atlantic city probably used to be in the '20s. Nice classy piano playing in the front. Candlelit, romantic, intimate setting. The oysters were as good as you'll ever find. The grilled salmon with risotto was prefect. So much flavor! The grilled shrimp also so great. But, get the lobster. Honestly, I don't think you can be disappointed at this place. You pay for what you get. Indulge.
(5)Veronica C.
There are very few times that you visit a restaurant and EVERYTHING is PERFECT!! From our appetizers (I highly recommend the calamari and oysters), main entree (wasabi tuna raw!!) to the dessert at the end, it was fresh, made to order and just melted in your mouth! Our waiter Will was a wonderful addition to the evening. He took the time to give recommendations and make my mother feel special for her birthday. I will be returning to Docs the next time I am in Atlantic City! Thank you!!
(5)Sakinah T.
So the Honey and I escape for the weekend. He mentions he wanted to take me here a few months back but we never made it out here. We take the walk and with no reservations we want dinner for two. The wait was about an hour but it was worth it. Our waitress Joan was super cute. She was helpful and checked in very often. All the food was delicious. Looking for that oyster high I had in New Orleans and this place came close. Visit AC, you must goto Docks. The entire menu is awesome. Can't wait to return. Check out my pics!
(4)Lucy B.
The most delicious!! The oysters were amazing. The Maine clam chowder was the best I've ever had! The calamari was perfect! Soft shell crab was delicious! The most delicious dessert ever was the banana caramel cream pie! The cheese pie was also stellar! Great service! Really one of the best dinning experiences overall!
(5)Alex R.
Came here for dinner and we started with the fried calamari which was cooked well. Also had crab soup which I was happy with the freshness and flavor but shouldn't have contained so many shells, whoever fabricated the crabs didn't seem like they cared. Also I decided to go with the filet, which I regret. The piece of meat was extremely dry in the medium rare state. Also the baked potatoe was so overcooked that it was dry also.
(2)Carolina R.
Had a fantastic dining experience here. Probably the best I have had in months. Docks is a really nice restaurant. Not very big but very charming. The restaurant has been operating for over 100 years. You can tell there are some original materials still like the floors by the bar are very old. The restaurant gets crowded so make a reservation and be ready to wait a few minutes even then. We were seated 20 minutes after our reservation so we got drinks at the bar. The martinis are amazing! We had the cucumber martini, which I recommend but they also had other interesting choices like toasted almond, or pear. The wines by the glass are good too, and not at all expensive $8-10 a glass. We tried a South African Sauvignon Blanc and the Pinot Grigio. Both the food and service were top notch. The menu is not too lengthy but everything looks good. They also have rotating specials. We started off with some raw oysters (super fresh and delicious!) and the shrimp ceviche which we both really liked. Then, we shared a crab and corn chowder which was on special. Very tasty, not heavy. After that we split the beet salad (with pistachios, greens, goat cheese and light dressing). Finally we shared the flounder with crab meat. It came in a cream sauce that was fairly thick and delicious with tomatoes that added a tangy flavor. The fish was perfectly cooked and the crab meat was fresh. We couldn't finish the fish so we took it home. Following the advice of other yelpers, we ordered the banana cream pie to go. The pie was really good except for the banana pieces in it. I'm a texture person so I wasn't crazy about that in the pudding. The flavors were amazing though including the crust and the cream on top. Our bill came out to about $100. Not bad for all we ate and especially not bad for the quality of the food. I cannot recommend this place enough. I am pretty sure they make the oyster crackers in house.
(5)Joey R.
Had lobster, steak topped with imperial crab, salad, and soup. Everything with beyond delicious, well-plated, and exactly what you'd expect from somewhere as legendary as this place. The outside is a little bit shaky (located in a bad neighborhood) but the inside is lavish, clean, warm, and inviting. Perfect location for a special occasion or if you are trying to impress. Come here for quality food worth every penny of the price.
(5)Shawn P.
Dock's gives you a feeling of being in AC back in the 1920's. The restaurant has been in the family for a long, long time. In addition to the atmosphere, Dock's serves up top notch fresh seafood of all kinds. Every dish I've tried has been excellent. The place is always busy but the service never lacks. My wife and I make sure to get there at least once a summer. One of my favorites.
(5)Kristina G.
Happy that we found Dock's through Yelp. Dinner lived up to each of the outstanding reviews this restaurant has. Friendly, prompt service, delicious fresh seafood and a really great selection of dishes on the menu. We started off with the oyster sampler, all of which were great. The appetizer medley is perfect for tasting a few different types of seafood. The entrees we ordered (crab stuffed flounder, a salmon & risotto special) were both fresh, flavorful and very filling. On a Tuesday night this place was pretty packed so making a reservation was ideal. Don't forget to end dinner with the banana cream pie, it really is outstanding.
(5)Franchesca G.
I actually yelped this place before reserving and all the other reviews were pretty accurate. I took my boyfriend here for his birthday since is pretty close from where we stayed (caesar's). It is a couple of blocks away so we walked. Our waitress was so sweet even though we got there 10 mins before the kitchen closes. We ordered the seafood sample for the appetizer it was delicious. I ordered the steak with mashed potatoes and onion rings on top, my boyfriend ordered the scallops with spinach and tomatoes. Everything was delicious! I also requested on my reservation to make my bf feel special since it was his birthday and they gave us a delicious banana pudding cake with a candle. He loved it! Awesome time! I will definitely be back next time I go to AC!
(5)Scott J.
If you go to Atlantic City and don't eat at Dock's you should be arrested. Four years ago we decided to go with all of the positive reviews and check it out....and we go back EVERY time we make a return trip to Atlantic City. Dock's has been there forever and ultimately is a family owned business. You will see the same servers there year in and year out. You'll be greeted by a welcoming piano next to the bar, and lots of smiling faces glad that you are there to see them. The menu doesn't really change because...well...it doesn't have to! Everything we've eaten there has been spot on delicious. From the assortment of fresh catch raw oysters to the ceviche, from the crab cakes to the soft shell crab, from the swordfish special to the salmon special...literally everything has been outstanding. I've learned that my personal favorite thing is to go with one of the chef's specials...I've done it 3 times in a row and have not been disappointed in the least. The meal is perfectly timed, the setting is a bit close knit but expected, and the drinks are made with care. They always have a wonderful selection of infused martinis, they know how to make a proper stiff manhattan up, and have an excellent wine list. Yes it is "off the boardwalk" but it is just 2 blocks back and in what I feel is a safe area. We did walk there once and found it a bit much (mainly due to the heat of the summer) and now take a cab which should cost you less than $10 from any of the main casinos on the Boardwalk (Resorts to Chelsea) You cannot go wrong here and I highly recommend a visit to Dock's....oh, and definitely get reservations in advance, they fill up even on the weeknights.
(5)Kim C.
Wish there was ANYTHING vegetarian on the menu. And pomme soufflé is deceiving - I expected apple, not potato.
(3)Shanzhen L.
The service is very good. The waiter didn't push you to order a lot. The Alaska king crab leg is very good, fresh and giant. As big as my arm, not exaggerated.
(5)Larry M.
Took the family here Friday night. Fantastic place! Clearly old school establishment with professional waitstaff. Ordered Calamari, Oysters Rockefeller and beet salad for appetizer. Crab cakes, crab augratin, flounder stuffed with crab meat and pecan crusted salmon for main course. Topped it all off with a couple of shared desserts. Each and every dish was absolutely delicious and perfectly prepared. While the tables are close together and the place is noisy, it doesn't detract one bit from a great experience. Not the place to go for a quiet, romantic dinner but do go for a celebration or just to have a great dinner.
(5)Reo T.
My wife and I went here for our anniversary dinner. It was very crowded as it was a Friday night. But amazingly we only waited about 10minutes to get seated. First, the table we sat at was very unstable. I asked the waitress and she asked the bus boy (old guy) and he came over and just said scoot over since the floor is unbalanced. Ok......now I'm bumping into the customers behind us. Had to work our ways to stable the table. We started off with the seafood platter which was two story stacked. Lobster, crab meat, ceviche and oysters were decent. But the clams' were too salty. I'm used to eating clams and oysters but this one was prepped very well. The oysters also had too shells in them visibly and non. Before our main dish, the bus boy came by to ask if we were done. we were not and he moved away. He came back 10minutes later to ask and I asked him back is our main dish ready? He said no and started to take our dish away. I repeatedly asked them is there a rush? He said no. He just want's to take the plate away. Without us telling him or asking, he just took off the martini glass with ceviche in it and took the tower away. Unprofessional. Our main dish was the steak of 26/oz which was decent. Cooked very well and very juicy. Waitress was very professional and nice. She tried hard to make the visit pleasant. Negative service was the bus boy and front attendee. As I wanted to make it a special night for our anniversary, I mentioned them before seating and going to the bathroom before our check. No words or dessert was offered. Hope they get better in service.
(2)Victor H.
The food was excellent minus the Maine clan chowder, which was extremely watery and bland. However, I got the reef and lobster. Absolutely delicious. My wife had 3 toasted almond martinis that she said were to die for! She ordered the fried shrimp, which were huge and were delicious. Only complaint was they were very salty. I had reservations, but they were seating people that had reservations before however showed up a half hour late, which was frustrating. The wait was only about 20 min past our reservation time. Be prepared to bring ear plugs. It is very loud and close quarters, which we eventually got used too. The waiter was very polite and knew the menu.
(4)Chris W.
One of the best seafood restaurants that I have been to. Everything we had was delicious and our waiter, Dennis, was just great. He managed to anticipate our needs and wants before we even opened our mouths. We started with the jumbo shrimp cocktail and Manhattan clam chowder, followed by soft shell crabs and salmon on risotto. For dessert we shared the chocolate cake. Everything was so tasty and cooked to perfection.
(5)Natalie T.
My Husband & I had dinner here on our 1st Wedding Anniversary in May 2014. Everything we ordered was simply amazing! You really can't go wrong with anything on their menu. The service was very friendly & patient. Dock's will be a staple on every visit to AC!!
(5)Brittany R.
Unbelievable lobster! I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and Doc's exceeding our expectations. We were able to get a last minute reservation on a busy Friday night. The atmosphere is amazing (with a live piano player at the bar) although a bit small (which is expected for such a dated restaurant). The food was delicious. We got the oyster sampler for 2 as an appetizer and a 2 1/4 lb. lobster each which were both cooked to perfection! For all of that amazing seafood and 2 drinks the price wasn't too bad! I will definitely be coming back! My only complaint is that I requested they bring out dessert for my boyfriend and they never did, although I know they received the request because they knew it was his birthday (I informed them when I booked through Open Table).
(5)Honey J.
OMG. Where do I even begin? This place knows exactly what they're doing when it comes to food, and their servers? Top notch. Beautiful ambiance. An absolute gem of Atlantic City. I'm totally speechless. We were lucky to enjoy our experience with a server named Taj. He made everything infinitely better (professional, quick, and just amazing).
(5)Dan M.
We took a large group to Dock's. Because this place is so small, a large group is difficult here. The seating is tight everywhere. But that has something to do with the fact that they have been in the same location, an older building for a very long time. The food was excellent and the staff was very good. You just have to be ready to have your dinner with the folks sitting next to you..
(4)Erikka O.
Over all atmosphere and food was excellent. One very disappointing thing was that our dinner came out before our appetizers and we were told "your waiter put a rush on your dinner" - fast forward when they brought our appetizer over halfway through our meal. In my opinion it should have been comp'd and it was not. I am still giving this four stars because my scallop special and my boyfriends flounder francese was excellent. The bartender was wonderful and the piano player was lovely. I would just say the experience was a bit rushed and the customer service could have been better. This might be something to address with the staff.
(4)Brenda L.
It is my boyfriend and my first time here. We ordered the sampler for two, cowboy steak, and the flounder with crabmeat. The steak is so tender and delicious. I don't have anything to say except that everything was excellent. Our sever was polite as well as helpful. I would definitely come back here!
(5)Foodie S.
I went to Dock's Oyster house on a recent trip to Atlantic City and the food was very good. The shellfish sampler is very fresh. All the seafood entrees sound delish, we went with the scallops and the surf and turf. Again, very fresh seafood that had a lot of flavor but the filet was average. The night we were there, they had a special; a whole Alaskan King Crab that was flown in the night before. It served 6 to 8 people and I believe the cost was $450-$500. There was only one available and the table next to us ordered it. It looked so meaty when it came out. If was the entire crab; I've never seen anything like that before. The table said that it was the best seafood dish they ever had. If given the opportunity again; I would definitely go for it.
(4)Samantha D.
Good food and service, nothing spectacular. When we arrived for our 5:45 reservation, the hostess was taking several calls for reservations and we waited for several minutes (held with a finger by the hostess).... Which is fine, she just seemed a bit uninterested. Our server, Will, was congenial and provided good recommendations (ie wine). However, it took too long to get drink refills, and water wasn't refilled for a good 30 minutes until I requested it, then took at least another 5-10 minutes. My husband and I shared the fried calamari appetizer. It was lightly fried and was accompanied by a lovely sauce. My crab and corn bisque topped with a jalepeno cream was the stand out. Large chunks of crab and whole kernels of corn. The spiciness of the jalepeno cream was perfect and appreciated. My husband also enjoyed his salad (on the list of specials), and the pecan crusted salmon. He said the horseradish cream on top definitely added to the dish. I had the lamb for dinner. It was tasty, as was the mashed potatoes underneath. The topping of fried beets was interesting and tasty (though a bit salty). The dish was good, well cooked... Just not "different" or "new." For dessert we shared a slice of banana cream pie. Huge slice, topped with a chocolate fork. Very good, had to box up half as we were so full. All in all I would recommend Dock's and I would go back. Food was well cooked and exactly what was expected, just nothing very innovative - though the restaurant is not touted as such.
(4)Jocy C.
Dock's Oyster House in Atlantic City is a treat!! Freshest seafood around. Raw Bar 1) Top Neck Clams - learned that Top Neck and Little Neck are the same species of clams; however the Top Necks are much bigger; in this case - bigger is better yelp.com/biz_photos/dock… 2) Malpeque Oysters from Prince Edward Island - YUM! yelp.com/biz_photos/dock… Soup 1) Maine Clam Chowder - Dock's interpretation of New England Clam Chowder. Boy, was this the BEST chowder I've ever had. The bowl was FULL of CLAMs. Furthermore, the broth did not have a thick consistency. Sophisticated! Love it. yelp.com/biz_photos/dock… Entree 1) Lobster - 4.25 lbs - The bf loves to live large. Their lobsters are sized from 2 lbs up through 6.5 lbs depending on the season. The largest lobster at the time was 4.25 lbs, and it was enough. One of the claws was at least half the size of the bf's head. We ended up bring some leftover back for a midnight snack. Split into 2 plates for sharing: Plate #1 - yelp.com/biz_photos/dock… Plate #2 - yelp.com/biz_photos/dock… Service was perfect. ENJOY!!
(5)Amelia Z.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlantic City. Went there Friday, February 13th for Valentine's Day dinner and yet again, it did not disappoint! We had the rack of lamb and a whole lobster. Since I was all dressed up, I had them remove the meat for me. Love the fact that they give you 2 sides with your lobster automatically. I hate it when they charge you an additional $8 because you want mashed potatoes on the side! And the lamb was superb! It's pricey, but it's wonderful when you walk out of a restaurant feeling like it was worth every penny. The only down side is it is a small dining room and the tables are very close together. And ladies be careful, the hard wood floors are alittle slippery. The bathroom is also located upstairs, and there is a coat check.
(5)Anita O.
This place is our MUST GO TO restaurant when we visit AC. The quality and price are perfect! We always order an array of appetizers (my favorites are the oysters and chilled lobster), and I order the crab sautee and my husband orders the scallops. You get such a filling amount of delicious seafood-- you couldn't have a better seafood meal! Service is inconsistent (this is not NYC, people!) but the servers are very friendly. Love love love this place and would recommend it to everyone!
(5)Anna Y.
wow! we came here 5 minutes before 5:00pm, the door were open yet but already a few tables waiting, I thought to myself could it be that good ? It is really good ! we ordered chilled shellfish sampler for 2, Maine clam chowder, corn and crab soup of the day, oyster marinara, Scallops with parm risotto and lobster sauce special and Flounder topped with crab meat. Chilled shellfish sampler for 2- it came with raw oysters,shrimp, clams, lobster, crab meat, mussel and shrimp ceviche. The shrimp ceviche had big chucks of avocado and shrimps, I'm not a fan of avocado but did enjoy the shrimp. Everything else on the platter was really fresh and tasty, I only had the shrimp, crab meat and lobster because I don't like the fishy taste of raw oyster and mussel. Maine clam Chowder- clams were tasty , the chowder had a strong creamy taste. It was good but not as good as the corn and crab. corn and crab - this was their soup of the day , it was really good ! thick and creamy, I really liked the sweetness of the corn. Oyster marinara - I never eat oyster ! Raw or Cooked. I just can't stand the fishiness. But I had two of the oyster marinara ! the oyster are fried and then baked in the oven with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. should definitely give a try! Scallops with parm risotto and lobster sauce special - this wasn't on the menu and it wasn't there special of the day . we saw the picture on yelp and showed it to our waiter and he was so nice and told us he would ask the kitchen to make it for us. Till this point we were already so full, but I did get a taste of it , the scallops were good . Flounder topped with crab meat - I enjoyed the crab meat more than the flounder. The flounder it self was kinda so so, you have to eat it with the sauce on the bottom. But the crab meat was tasty on its self. The service was really good ! Had a really nice time !
(5)Darnisha Y.
Went here for New Year's Eve and had an excellent experience! The calamari was the best I've ever had. My waiter Taz was great, I'll definitely be back.
(5)Joseph G.
Excellent food. Service was fast and friendly. Breath of fresh air in Atlantic City. Have been coming here for years and will continue to do so. Recommended.
(5)Steve B.
I'll spare the details and get to the heart of the matter: This is easily one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. Best seafood and oysters I've ever had. Get here now!
(5)Scott J.
I went to this restaurant with my significant other and we had the most wonderful night in AC. The hostess warm-welcomed us and took us to a cozy table for two.the name of our waiter is Dennis, he is polite and very professional. He kept his eyes on us for the whole time and we didnt need to ask for anything (eg. Refill the water). Food came with huge portion. We ordered the seafood tower. Oyster was tasty. The only problem is the mussel, which was very dry and seemed not so fresh. We ordered one crispy wasabi tuna to share. The service was so detailed that they separated one entree into two small plates for us. We would like to thank Dennis for his excellent service :)
(5)Michael P.
Had dinner at Dock's while in town for a conference. Stopped in our first day and tried to get a table without a reservation, no dice, which we expected. So we made a reservation for the following evening. The atmosphere here is laid back but not really the shorts/sandals/t-shirt sort of laid back, which was nice. Appetizer platter for two was fantastic with two tiers of various seafood. Entrees were prepared to perfection and overall the food was fantastic. The only thing I can say that detracted from our visit at all was the service was a bit slow. Not a big deal as we were in no hurry but if you're expecting your server to check on you every couple minutes, you may be disappointed. If you're in the area, I would highly recommend Dock's if you want fantastic food in a mature, relaxing atmosphere.
(4)Kelsey B.
Dock's is amazing. The wait staff is fun and chatty and the ambiance is vintage and classy, dress "nice-casual" Food amazing! The oyster sample is a great deal and a great way to try different oysters from all over. The calamari is really good if you like a lot of batter. It reminded me of an onion ring batter with calamari inside. Not my favorite but that's just personal preference. The main courses were amazing. We had the scallops which were cooked perfectly and came with an amazing risotto. We had the lobster as well. They deconstructed the lobster for me so I didn't have to break it apart. All in all very very good place to eat and close to all the casinos in that area (closest to Trump) we will definitely be eating here again!
(4)Douglas K.
You will not regret coming here. First off, there's valet parking so don't worry about finding street parking. You walk in and you'll be greeted by a very friendly staff. We started off with a dozen oysters and the tuna tarter. The oysters were unbelievably fresh and the tuna tartar was dressed perfectly. It was a perfect way to begin the meal. Next we had the flounder with crab meat and the special of the day, the soft shell crab. Both dishes were delicious and we both stuffed by the end of the meal. The serve was great, the food was amazing, and I would go back in a heartbeat. It's a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or just go for an amazing evening. The check including 2 beers came out to about $140, but it was well worth it. I definitely recommend for a date, special occasion, or just something different from the other typical places in eat in AC. Note that it can get pretty loud as it's always crowded.
(5)Michael P.
We went on a Sunday night in the winter and everything about the restaurant was awesome. We sat at the bar and had the seafood tower, which is probably the best tower I've ever had and on top of that the most reasonably priced. Live piano player at the bar as well. After apps and a few drinks we moved to a table for entrees. We would have preferred to eat at the bar but they don't serve entrees at the bar. I had the cowboy steak which was huge and cooked tender. Probably not the most typical selection at a seafood spot but it was great. So if you want excellent good at a good price and NOT the Star and Garces restaurants that you can get in Philly this place is a great option.
(5)Andrea B.
You would be hard pressed to find a better restaurant in NJ. Period. The service is over the top excellent, the food was wonderful. Asparagus soup with crab.... I had the lobster, my husband had the Seafood platter. You must try the french fries. The bartender recommended Apple Valley Bourbon Barrel beer and I loved it more than my husband... trying to find it in Jersey. It was our anniversary and it was a great all-round experience. Now we are torn bt Chef Vola's and Docks for our anniversary...
(5)Lauren M.
The food was amazing! Read up on the history before you'll go and the small crowded atmosphere may seem a little more quaint. The bill will be high so just beware! Great for an anniversary or birthday stop. Our bill for just the 2 of us was $132.
(5)Eman E.
Bad service, very noisy. We reserved ahead of time. And we waited for almost an hour for our table. And at the end they gave us a bad table. No apology and not even a smile. I never coming here again.
(1)Robert B.
Thanks Yelp! We went here solely based on Yelp reviews and they were right. I loved this place. It's like a small version of DCs Old Ebbitt Grill. Classic old school setting. The staff could not be better. Everyone here seems happy, just great atmosphere! Oyster & clams were spectacular. I had a great salad special w/ a nice light fresh dressing and citrus. I was planning on seafood but as we walked to our table I saw someone getting the rack of lamb... it looked incredible. I knew what I was having before I looked at the menu! The menu did make it difficult to commit though. It is a creative mix of old and new. Nice selections! I stuck with the lamb and I'm glad I did! Side of mash and fried beets were perfect sides. My friend ended up getting the wrong fish special. He was enjoying it so much that we didn't notice until our neighbors received what he was supposed to get. He really didn't mind but our waitress insisted on providing a complimentary dessert... cheesecake, raspberry sorbet, whipped cream on a chocolate wafer. I'm not a dessert guy... but wow! It's not inexpensive but it's worth every penny! 9/11/2014 - Lived up too the memories- another fantastic meal. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!
(5)Thuy and Phyoe O.
We found out about this place on yelp and since we were not very comfortable with trying Casinos' Buffets, we decided to give it a shot. Well it was one of the right decision we've ever made. Food was quite nice. My wife tried crab and corn chowder soup and Flounder with crabs entree daily special and I had their fried Oysters appetizer special and Tuna steak entree. All I can say is it reminds me of those Iron Chef shows from the food network. Fried Oyster has very delicate taste and I didn't know Tuna could be this delicious. But here are the cons, minus one star for service. I wish the waiter would speak a little bit slower so we could understand all the specials. And the bus boy asked us whether we were done even though he could see clearly that our plates were only half way through. The lady sitting next to us mentioned that this place is known for pushing customers out if they get busy. Anyhow, we spent around 100$ for sea food dinner for two and it was quite reasonable for the quality, atmosphere, taste and the size of the food we had and it was enjoyable.
(4)Dana B.
This place has been around a while therefore their experience and attention to detail show as a result. It's a classy little spot with a lot of old school charm. Men in their blazers, ladies on their arms with martinis, pianist at the bar, and bartenders that stick to the basics and nail the classic cocktails. Very nice impression from the door. Dinner began with the oyster sampler. If you know what you like you can pick from a dozen or so varieties. I wasn't so sure so I had the chef choose. He provided a wonderful assortment from shorelines along the east coast. Each varied slightly in flavor and size and all were incredibly fresh. The fried calamari are probably the best I've ever had and believe me, I've had many! Must try the pomme souffle...a fancy and strategically prepared french fry. Dinner was broiled swordfish and jumbo shrimp over tomato risotto; a special that night. Risotto was perfectly cooked and creamy. Definitely prepared with a seafood stock....delicate and very flavorful. The swordfish was generously portioned and though cooked through, wasn't dried out. My husband had the flounder and crabmeat finished with a sweet cream sauce and asparagus. Both were absolutely delicious! Service by both our waiter and assistant were overall spot on. Our waiter knew what wine worked with my dinner and made a great recommendation. (He redeemed himself with the wine selection after he forgot to bring the hot sauce we asked for) Don't be intimidated by some of the prices on the menu....you clearly get everything you pay for and more. I've heard many of the diners on the weekends are regulars so be sure to make reservations.
(4)Vivi P.
I'm a huge fan of oysters and seafood, so I expected a lot about this place. Oysters and seafood are fresh, I also enjoyed the chilled shellfish sampler for 2. But, the highlight of the night probably was a banana cream pie! It's simply delicious! Overall, good food and service. Prices are above average but it's understandable because my dinner was in Atlantic City surrounding by casinos and gamblers.
(3)John B.
We ate there on a Tuesday night with reservations and were seated within a few minutes. They tried their best to space out the patrons given the tight seating. The servers were quick and attentive but unfortunately the kitchen was very slow. 15-20 minutes for a dozen raw oysters seemed excessive. We had crabmeat au Gratin and stuffed flounder both of which were excellent. The noise level in the restaurant was extreme and we weren't able to talk to each other except by shouting and further raising the noise level. Slow kitchen and excessive noise made this a poor choice.
(3)Gabby P.
Looking for an amazing dining experience? Well, look no further than Dock's. Known for it's delicious fresh seafood, it's definitely the place to visit when in the area. Our server was amazing...he knew the menu inside and out and made suggestions about wine pairings, good apps, etc. The raw bar is amazing...everything is fresh, fresh ,fresh. The shrimp cocktail, ceviche and chowder were off the hook. My husband had the ahi tuna entree and I had the seared scallops...both were exceptional. I can't say enough about Dock's; it's certainly an amazing experience and I can't wait to go there again!
(5)cheryl d.
I don't know what's taken me so long to write a review about this amazing place?! My husband and I dined here while he was in AC for business. WOW!! This was one of the BEST meals we have ever had at a restaurant! The only one that was slightly better than this is when we dined at an Emeril Lagasse restaurant! The bartender was wonderful, the hostess, our waitress....everyone was so nice! We didn't know you needed reservations but they managed to fit us in. And we are SO very grateful they did!! We will be heading back here in a few weeks again and I cannot wait!! Don't miss this place on your next trip to Atlantic City!!!
(5)Fiona C.
3.5 stars - We were seated promptly for our 9:30pm reservations. The place was packed and learning about how old this establishment was made us even more excited to try this place. Service staff was attentive and pleasant. The bread and the oyster crackers were a little too hard. We had ordered oysters - blue points (tasty, refreshing), long island medium (tasted kind of neutral, didn't really have a special taste to it); malpaque - some of the oysters were kind of sandy. We also ordered the fish special (delicious, absolutely love the champagne leek sauce), soft shell crab (pretty large crab, well-seasoned), and I got the crab cakes -- which I felt like should've been amazing, but it was not. It was tasty but I did not enjoy biting into bits of cartilage. Not a bad find in AC =]
(3)April B.
First time here and stumbled upon it for restaurants week (lucky for us) and we were pleasantly surprised. Nice ambience and a solid wine list. Here are the stand outs..asparagus and crab soup..delicious...oysters which our waiter Will who was fantastic, picked for us..phenomenal. Stuffed flounder was good but bland. Hubby ordered the crab cakes which had lots of shells in them. The cheese pie OMG so good with fresh whip cream. We will be back to try other things on the menu.oh by the way, not overpriced either
(4)Chris F.
I was in AC this past weekend for a bachelor party and we decided to make a reservation at Dock's via open table. When we got there we were told that our reservation was for the following night because Dock's doesn't do same-day reservations on open table. The 9 of us awkwardly stood outside attempting to figure out where we were going to go when the hostess (maybe owner?) walked outside and said that they could make room for us. The place was slammed and they were gracious enough to not only try and make room but be able to seat us within 30 minutes. It only got better from there. The food was incredible from start to finish and the service was great. I was very impressed at how fast they were able to push food out of the kitchen given how busy it was. Next time I'm in AC I will be making a stop here for dinner.
(5)Jennifer L.
I took my mom here for Mother's Day and it was fabulous. Everything was great--the food was delicious, the service was attentive and the entire experience was just would you would want for a special occasion. This is a must if you haven't been before and you want classic seafood dishes.
(5)Amalia Y.
small-ish, relatively modest, pretty unassuming resto... would never have guessed it'd deliver one of the best meals i've ever had in AC. valet parking- yes live piano music- yes gorgeous raw bar - definitely delicious, um, everything- mmhmm started with the beet salad- it was super tasty. red and yellow beets, goat cheese, etc... and the dressing paired perfectly. seriously delicious. i went with one of the night's specials for dinner, a local (i believe from Cape May) fluke dish, with spinach and diced tomatoes, topped with crab meat. it was superb. others at the table had the filet (large, cooked well, they loved it) and the scallops (also wonderful). great upscale ambiance, attentive service throughout the evening... no complaints. the restaurant is a bit small, so be prepared to sit close to neighboring tables. it got rather noisy (was a friday night), which is a bit difficult for easily distracted people (definitely me)!
(4)Penny K.
OMG... To watch my husband with such a fantastic look on his face while eating a meal is priceless. The drinks were super, the oysters were amazing, the clam chowder ..superior to any other. Entrees all sounded fantastic. Mike said the wasabi ahi tuna was out of this world, perfectly cooked and tender as sushi. I couldn't have asked for a more lovely dinner with the man I love... Can't wait to come back and try something else... Maybe next year
(5)Leah F.
Hands down one of the best restaurants in AC. The food is always on point. Such a great seafood menu with tons of great specials.
(5)John B.
It is with great regret that I must write this with several negative points. Docks used to be the a great fine dining experience in AC. Unfortunately, the tides have turned. Well overpriced for the quality/quantity served. Great service but the atmosphere needs a pickup as it is a bit outdated. It was a cold Thursday night in AC, and it was our Valentines dinner. We decided on our usual spot, Docks. Greeted properly upon entering and they were quick to seat us. For appies, we ordered the crab cocktail and a bowl of the crab soup. The crab cocktail was fine, but the soup left a lot to be desired for $7.50 for a small bowl. Decent flavor as you can tell it had plenty of seafood stock added, but light on the crab. We then ordered the red snapper with crab meat and a rack of lamb. I know, who gets lamb at a seafood restaurant. Have had it there many times before and it was prepared well. Not this time. Definitely a different brand/quality than they served in the past. Seemed like they were domestic, which can be decent, but these were tough and not well flavored. The red snapper with crab meat was fine, but wouldn't say it was excellent. They have also changed their bread they serve with the meal. Not what you would expect from such a restaurant. Plain and doughy. Overall, not a bad experience, but not what we were used to from Docks. For a check well over $100.00 I would have expected better quality and a sizable portion. Cocktails are pricey but well poured. Service was great, atmosphere was fine with a decent piano player for entertainment, albeit the joint does need a rehab as it is a bit outdated. Again, an average experience when we were anticipating the usual higher end encounter.
(2)Greg W.
Yelp was right on point about this place. Enjoyed an excellent meal at a mostly decent price. Oysters - fantastic, clams - amazing, flounder stuffed with crab meat? Yes please Very good server as well. What keeps it from a 5? They stuff you in there like sardines (pun intended) and they charge an arm and leg for their liquor. Food prices were fine though. Try this place when you're in AC!
(4)Cynthia G.
When I go on vacation, one of the things I look forward to is being a true fat ass and spending all my money on good food, and maybe booze. Going to Atlantic City, I was hoping for alot of both. Well I didn't get much of both, mainly because the food in my hotel sucked so bad, and we didn't travel far enough to explore what else was around because we were busy melting in our hot tub. I Yelped this place online before my trip and was excited to go. After a bunch of dud restaurants in the hotel (Resorts Buffet anyone?) we took the taxi ride over. We had reservations and were seated right away even though we were half an hour early. The look and feel of the place seemed a bit stuffy but the waitress was super friendly and helpful. I started with two soups because I was having a super fat moment. The New England Clam chowder was so damn delicious. Real clams still in the shells, leeks, a great fresh taste. I had the Cheese Jalapeno corn chowder after. Also good but not as good as that heavenly clam chowder. Oh how I miss you. On the waitress suggestion I tried one of their specials: Swordfish topped with shrimp in a mildly spicy cream sauce with risotto. It was awesome!!! I can't wait to go back. My boyfriend doesn't eat seafood and wasn't too happy with his steak but who gives a damn. I was there to enjoy. :)
(5)Elliott L.
Simply amazing seafood. Their tuna tartar was the best I ever had. Their chowder was also a very nice take on the traditional with great flavor. Ordered the seared scallop entrée, which was prepared nice but still had a slight tinny taste (better preparation would have avoided that). Tables are also way too crowded together there, but likely due to the popularity. I am a big fan of skipping the overpriced, underwhelming restaurants at the casinos. And this one did a great job.
(4)Anna G.
The seafood at this place is amazing, as fresh and delicious as it could get or be! AMAZING! The ambience was nice, the restaurant accomodated us even though we were almost half an hour late for our reservation. The appetizer sampler for 2 was incredible! The ONLY compalint I have which is sort of a big one, and cost them a star, is that we waited almost an HOUR for our main course. The drinks came quick, so did the appetizer, but waiting so long for your main course is a little unreasonable. Hopefully it was just a fluke and I'm definitely planning to enjoy dinner here again.
(4)Daneane N.
To focus on the overall dining experience, I'd return to Dock's over and over again (if I lived in Atlantic City). It's not big, but there's a lot of history that you can just feel when you walk in the door. A gentleman playing piano at the bar was a nice touch (despite the bar area being rather small). We had an 8:45 PM reservation, but weren't seated until close to 10:00 PM. At least one group left after waiting an hour for their table. That was a big mistake! Joanne, our server, was clearly knowledgeable and experienced, as well as friendly. Seating arrangements are tight but still relatively comfortable. We ordered the clams casino appetizer as well as the made-to-order Manhattan clam chowder. Oh my God, that soup was so fantastic! So much so that I asked the chef, who was rounding the tables, for the recipe (which he obliged however I'm certain I'll never be able to duplicate it). The clams casino were delicious as well, however they didn't have any breading, which I guess I just expected. Didn't matter though because they didn't need it. I chose one of their dinner specials for my entree, Seafood Risotto; scallops, shrimp and crab in a lobster cream sauce. I cannot begin to describe the deliciousness of this dish. It was seasoned to perfection and the seafood was delicate and fresh. The only thing that put a damper on the experience was what seemed like a lack of air conditioning. It was rather hot in there, and my partner was uncomfortable to the point of sweating and nausea. Unsure if that was the norm or an anomaly. All I can say is that if you don't mind waiting for an amazing meal (and you shouldn't) you have to visit Dock's. I only wish I lived closer.
(5)Boku J.
Had the best experience. The food was amazing fresh and full of flavor. The piano was a lovely addition to the beautiful decor and ambiance of the restaurant. My party was very late and the size changed from 12 to 6 and they made accommodations for us. The servers were kind and helpful. Every single person enjoyed their appetizer and entree. The mussels in the red sauce were the best I've ever had. If you haven't been you need to go no where else in a.c. compares.
(5)Sergii M.
I've been living in AC for 5 years, but I opened this restaurant just after I moved to New York : ) Great place. When I came for the first time I totally forgot that I was in Atlantic City!))) Nice atmosphere, good food, awesome clam chowder.
(4)Shirlana D.
Old School seafood house at its finest. The decor was rich and inviting and staff was engaging. The atmosphere appeared to be enjoyed by friends, families and couples a like. I have been here several times while visiting AC and have never been disappointed. I was taken here by my bf who loves the fried shrimp. Of course, I tried his and now I know what all the fuss was about :). The salad is great but the food was better! The calamari portion was big and ample enough to be shared. I have had the scallops (which were succulent, as well as the flounder which was tender, light and filling. The cream sauce that the flounder is served with, makes you yearn for more. The portions are big enough to be shared and you will surely have no room for dessert (I never do and I have a hearty appetite). You will not be disappointed if you try this place. You must check this place out if you are an avid seafood lover.
(5)John S.
Helen our server was personable, knowledgable and seemed to really enjoy her job. She took her time to explain the specials and the different flavor profiles of those dishes. It was slightly overwhelming in a goodway, as more information is better to make an informed decision. To the food, I'm not going to get into the details of each of our dishes, but I had a ribeye, wife had the salmon and kids had the crab cakes and they said it was one of the better meals they have had in a while. Desert, we had a banana pie which was very light, not overly sweet, it was fresh and hit the spot. Went there on a Wednesday and i couldn't get reservation till 9 so book ahead.
(5)John E.
Unfortunately, this much hyped restaurant did not live up to its reputation. As an East Coast seafood restaurant, one would expect local seafood served in excellent style, especially for as nice a restaurant as this establishment (If you are a Foodie, think Hanks in Charleston for style, but Hanks blows this place away in taste.) In the local seafood department, it seemed to be very hit or miss, and I wish I had a better waiter to ask questions. Unfortunately, my waiter barely knew the menu, had no idea what wines they served, and was unable to provide information on the food. Pros: (few) - Great ambiance - Reasonable wine prices Cons: (many) - Rolls: anyone want a brick? Frozen rolls heated up in the oven until you have to use a knife to break through the crust, only to get a nasty freezer burned interior that tastes like the inside of a refrigerator. - Reservation was not upheld, over a 30 minute wait for our table with no bar space available for waiting, instead we had to awkwardly stand in the middle of the entryway. - Both fish dishes were well below what one would expect at a fine establishment - Girlfriend got her glass of wine a few minutes after ordering it, mine took half an hour - water glass refills were only done when the waiter was specifically asked - Crab meat was from Louisiana - Besides some of the shellfish it didn't seem there was any local and non-frozen seafood on the menu
(2)Mish M.
The stars is for the food. Make sure they give you unused Oyster crackers as ours was left on the table from the party before. ;:/ The food is excellent. The bartender was great, I got a Asian martini iIt was a Friday night the food service was bad. Just plain old bad and slow everyone was complaining around us cause was waiting so long to be served. Two dozen oysters , seared scallops and Wasabi tuna. Delicious
(5)Monica P.
A well known Atlantic City institution for over a century that I can't believe I've now got to try after my countless visits to AC! We wanted to try new places that's not in the casino or on the boardwalk for once... And we came across Dock's. A RESERVATION IS A MUST AT LEAST A DAY IN ADVANCE; otherwise they'll tell you their completely booked for the whole evening. Surprisingly, the ambiance is much more classier than I expected... So come here decently dressed but comfortable enough to fit all the food in your stomach! Seafood tower - all chilled seafood that comes with 3 raw clams, 3 raw oysters, a shrimp ceviche, two shrimp cocktails, cooked chilled mussels and a cooked chilled decent size lobster. I didn't really like the mussels or were too crazy of the oysters offered in this tower, shrimp cocktails were huge and delicious, clams went down great along with the lobster. Not a bad value and good portion for two. Soft Shell Crab - I've heard this is a must request if they have it when it's in season! My boyfriend has always been a sucker for soft shell crab... And lucky us, it was in season so we ordered it off their specials. The soft shell crab was bigger than regular soft shell crabs we normally eat and it was seasoned and fried soo perfectly. My boyfriend LOVED his dish, even the sides that came on the dish was delicious with his meal. Land & Sea - another specials of theirs that's quite raved about. It came with plenty of fried shrimp that's stuffed with a whole lot of crab meat. The filet mignon on this dish had some good flavor components there but it just wasn't tender enough or cooked perfectly enough to my liking. The dish is also served with yummy asparagus and mash potatoes! My date & I couldn't even finish our entree that we had to pack it to go. I thought my skirt was gonna pop anytime soon.. So again, wear nice but comfortable clothing! We saved some space just because we were really looking forward to trying their famous banana creme pie for dessert that we were soo sad when they were all out for the night! I'll be coming back to Dock's just to try the banana creme pie and other entree's such as the pan seared sea scallops! Service was superb... Great for a date and I highly recommend it's worth a visit here for Atlantic City.
(4)B D.
Don't review much on yelp, but always use when looking for restaurants, so owe some to you folks. Found docks on yelp and was as advertised. Environment was very cool and fun, and most importantly food was awesome. Apps Started with oysters, recommendation from waiter was cape May salts, they were fantastic especially if you like smaller oysters, which I do. Also got malpeques which were very good. Wife and I split beet salad and enjoyed it. Main course Best part of the meal, and was tough to top oysters, my wife got 18oz lobster tail and she loved it, I had some also. Surprisingly the best was the soft shell crabs I ordered on special, they were lightly fried and fantastic, wife liked them better than her tail and she doesn't even like soft shells (and the tail was very good but expensive), best I've ever had, meaty and great flavor, a little kick to them also.
(5)Francis C.
Amazing meal! Make sure you make reservations well in advance to get the time you want. From start to finish, this was the perfect restaurant experience. After we were seated at a little table for two, our waitress, Kim greeted us and was very helpful and friendly. I avoided the oyster crackers but couldn't resist the bread, as it was a soft slice that was begging to be buttered. On to the food! Appetizers (See photos) 1. Fried Oysters Marinara (This was one of their specials and wasn't on the menu) - It was delicious! I happen to love oysters and the fried variety is good too, especially when topped with Parmesan cheese and marinara sauce. It was an Oyster Parm! 2. Beet Salad (This was another special that wasn't on the menu) - This was a really nice salad that I want to steal the recipe for. The citrus vinaigrette, tangerine slices, pistachio nuts and feta cheese balanced out the beets perfectly. Entrees (See photos) 1. Land and Sea (This was one of their specials and wasn't on the menu) - A twist on the surf and turf, this was a Filet Mignon and Fried Shrimp stuffed with crab meat. My wife absolutely loved this dish as the steak was cooked perfectly and I can personally attest to the shrimp being plump, juicy and full of fresh crab meat. 2. Flounder Francaise over spinach with tomato and crab meat" over spinach with tomato and crab meat (Yet another special) - The fish was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy. The tomatoes and crab meat really added another level of flavor that felt fresh and light. I loved this dish. Dessert (See photos) 1. Banana Cream Pie - This is their signature pie so we had to try it. It was as advertised! The banana tasted so fresh and it blended perfectly with the cream for a party in the mouth. 2. Apple Crisp - It was not a fair fight, but it could not compare to the Banana Cream Pie. If you are in Atlantic City, I highly recommend eating here. You will not regret it.
(5)Bianca C.
Coming here was the best idea ever! Thanks BEB! We came to a yelp event in AC and my Beb tells me there's a place I made reservations to that you will really like. Who me? Why because I love to be wined and dined? Because I love going on cutsie dates with my husband and being romanced by him? YES! Besides this place being an amazing date idea the food is delicious! From beginning to end an enjoyable experience with professional staff that treats the customer like royalty. YoSteph gave us some good advice before coming, "Don't get full off the bread!" Now did I listen? How could I that initial bread roll was so soft and fluffy, it was begging for me to sniff and eat all of it's insides lol! Not gonna lie I was hungry so I started nibbling on the lil bread balls they place on your table too. My husband and I shared an arugula and radicchio salad which has red wine vinaigrette, crumbled feta, candied walnuts, sun dried cranberries, and pears. The ingredients in the salad were all fresh and it was a good start. Our second appetizer was the fried oysters with marinara that tasted like seafood parm, these oysters released an explosion of flavor in my mouth. For the main event I got one of their specials of the day called the land and sea which was phenomenal! This dish came with a filet mignon, I ordered it medium rare. It came with 3 large shrimp stuffed with crab meat and a side of mashed potatoes, HELLO! That filet was juicy, soft, and flavorful, I was complete just eating the filet. However, I did have some shrimp on that plate, do I really need to go into detail about how shrimp stuffed with crab taste? You know this dish is perfection. I was so complete, but I needed to taste that legendary banana cream pie. OH EM GEE! That pie is worth driving to AC for!
(5)Ryan Z.
Pretty good food. An Atlantic City institution. Lousy service. What was supposed to be a very memorable evening was stymied by rude, unprofessional service by a waiter with a very bad attitude. Our waiter was gruff from the moment we sat down, and only got worse once he heard we didn't want to order alcohol. I rarely drink, and when I do, I never drink with food because it makes me feel sick, not because I'm too cheap to order booze. Our waiter just got worse as the night progressed. When silverware was brought to the table, it was literally slid across the table, rather than politely placed next to our plate. Check-ins with the waiter consisted of him swooping into my ear and loudly saying "everything's good, right?" in a curt, aggressive manner. When he took our neighboring table's order, he rested his butt cheeks on the edge of our table. Okay, the space is tight between tables, but seriously, get your butt off the place where I'm eating. What was perhaps most insulting about the service was that he was oohing and ahhing over a party of older regulars that sat down next to us. He shook all their hands, was smiling (we never got one smile), and even brought them a complimentary appetizer. For us, he was just huffy and impatient. The check was brought before we were done eating. Clearly he wanted to get rid of us as quickly as possible. Since he was fawning over the table next to us, I know he had the ability to be a good waiter to us if he wanted to. What a shame he chose to write us off. Okay, onto the food. The raw oysters were excellent. The special asparagus and crab soup was really good except that the crab meat wasn't American blue crab, so while the lumps were big, the crab flavor was minor and overpowered by the asparagus. My friend raved about his red snapper, which I tired and thought was delicious. I went on a limb and had the rack of lamb on suggestion of the waiter; it was perfectly cooked but not well-crusted and thus felt somewhat under-seasoned. However, the crispy fried beets and mashed potatoes were excellent. For dessert, we went for the classic banana cream pie. Though very creamy, the banana flavor was not as strong as I'd have liked it, but the homemade crust was a winner. Overall, I think our experience would have been substantially more enjoyable with a waiter who had left his bad attitude at the door.
(2)A B.
The food is very good. However, the soups were brothy, salty, and served in various sized large serving bowls. Just weird and neither upscale nor appealing in presentation. At a five o'clock dinner, my sister was told there was only one lobster soup left. At 5 o'clock? Was it leftover from yesterday? Eww. Calamari was mushy. Two shrimp cocktail pieces were ok but seriously: two? Entrees are expensive and all sides are a' la carte. There is not a children's menu to speak of, so the kids ordered flounder or filets. One steak was served in place of the flounder and the waiter asked if that was ok. Um no. Desserts were very good. But, as locals, there's really no need to ever go again.
(2)Lara D.
Very excited to try this place while in Atlantic City. We made reservations to be safe. It was packed on a Friday night. Our reservations was at 9:45 pm which was a bit late and a bummer because you need to put in all your orders before the kitchen closes. Really quaint fine dining homely restaurant. We had the Maine clam chowder which was filled with actual clams. The soup was rather soupy and milky and not the usual thick and creamy. I enjoyed it, but I guess I'm more used to creamy. Also had the oyster sampler that was very fresh. I got the peacocks, Indian, and salts. First two from Canada and the last from jersey. They were all great. Steamed clams with oil and white wine was also tasty as well. Great dipping sauce for your bread. All the clams were juicy and delicious. We had a lot of clams. Also had the one pound lobster served chill that was fabulous. I wish we had ordered the other things on the menu mainly the main dishes salmon and lobster tail but we were so full off the things we had and the kitchen closed. Wish we were here longer to eat at Docks another night. The white wine Riesling was also spectacular. Nice and sweet. The quality of the food here should be the standard for ALL restaurants.
(4)Leslie D.
As someone who does not go to AC more than once a year I must say that I love Dock's. I always try to dine here when I'm in Atlantic City as I love the food and it is an old school institution- it first opened its doors in 1897! Obviously with the words "Oyster House" in the name of the restaurant you must get some raw oysters to start. A dozen or so at least since they have 10 varieties to try. They are always so fresh and sweet! I also have been meaning to get the Shellfish Sampler here as the prices are so reasonable... or I've just been jaded by Manhattan pricing. Either way, it's on my to do list. If soft shelled crab is in season, you must ask if they have the Oreganata special. Normally I'm not a huge fan of S.S.C. (I mean, I generally don't like gnawing on appendages of shellfish) but this was such a tasty eye opener! Perfectly seasoned and very tender. I did not have to spit out any pieces of shell which is my biggest complaint towards eating soft shelled anything. Obviously they offer whole lobsters and these suckers weigh in at 2 pounds at the lightest! I have never seen the 6 pound monsters but I do not doubt they have them... You can get them steamed, broiled, stuffed with crab imperial or stuffed with colossal crab meat. In case you are not a lobster fan (please note you are dead to me) they do offer a few steak options and other tantalizing entree options such as crab cakes, sea scallops, rack of lamb, sauteed fish and jumbo shrimp. They also have a decent beer selection as well to wash down your tasty meal with!
(5)Salina L.
This is my 3rd time dining at this establishment. My meals have continuously gotten better and better. Tonight, my dinner was so spectacular I just needed to share it. I had the special of the night -- halibut with crab meat, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and leeks. This was one of the best meals I have ever had in my entire life. I'm sitting at the table now still digesting it but couldn't wait to tell the world about it. COME HERE AND EAT. (If you haven't already! Or if you have, come again!) Service was great too! Thank you Hanna! We will be back again and again until the end of time! :)
(5)Angela H.
I guess there's no need to give this place another review, but here it is: The food here is such a treat. Every time I took a bite of the next thing, I seriously giggled with delight. I asked for a "very dry white wine" and was served something French. I forget the name, but it's the best white wine I've ever had. The banana cream pie may bring tears to your eyes.* Our server was Will and he really tied everything together with his humor and great service. I also love the ambience of this place. In my opinion, it's not the type of restaurant where it's OK to wear a cotton polo and khaki shorts, but you see a lot of that anyway. Dads will do what dads will do. Wear a shirt and pants, but no need for a jacket unless you are so inclined. *UPDATE - the wine was a Poully Foussé (pardon my French, hehe). A full 2 months later and I'm at another restaurant, eating dessert with the friend I dined with at Dock's. He looks at his dessert and says "remember the banana cream pie?" It's that good.
(5)Stanley D.
The food was amazing as well as the service. The steak was cooked perfectly and lobster tail was huge. First time have New England clam chowder with the actual whole clams. Will say everything tasted fresh too. Not to often can say a place was perfect
(5)Whitney A.
My boyfriend and I were told by numerous locals and by Yelp that this restaurant was the place to go in Atlantic City outside of the actual boardwalk. Luckily, we got a reservation on the same day, but upon arrival we had to wait an additional 30 minutes during a moderately busy dinner service. When we were finally seated, it took a while for us to be waited on and to even get a glass of water. When it came time to order food, the waiter knew the whole special menu by heart and seemed knowledgable. But when my date and I asked a few more specific questions, everything fell apart. We are from Maryland and asked about the crab cakes. The waiter had no idea where the crab meat came from -- in a Marylander's humble opinion, a high-end restaurant on the East Coast should ALWAYS serve Maryland crab. We also asked about a type of wine that was unfamiliar to us and, apparently, to the waiter as well. He did recover by offering us a taste, but he couldn't even tell us if it was white or red. I ended up ordering a salmon with risotto and my boyfriend got the red snapper. My salmon was not cooked completely and the risotto had a bit of a crunch to it. His red snapper was about a "C" rating. Granted we are picky being from Maryland about our seafood, but based on the reviews of the place we were kind of disappointed. If you want good service, decent prices, good ambiance, and pretty awesome food, you may want to check out Dock's "cousin" restaurant Harry's down the boardwalk.
(2)Erin C.
Great food and atmosphere. Crab cakes were light and full of crab. Steamed clams were Awesome as well as the oysters. Soft shell crab was outstanding. Must go to joint.
(5)Rebecca H.
What a fabulous meal! Everything we ordered was outstanding. I think my favorite was the fried tomato salad. But the sea scallops were amazing too. My husband could barely finish his lobster tail, it was so large. This place was such a treat.
(5)Mia C.
I thought this place was really good and the prices aren't that bad for what you get. They have their own valet parking right outside so that you don't have to park your car on the street. They give you big portions, and the service is quick. You have to make a reservation, and they don't open until 5pm. I will definitely be back again.
(4)Mona C.
Disappointed! I ordered lobster tail and my son ordered the filet. The lobster tail was chewy, and tasted no better than what I would expect from a chain restaurant. I was NOT happy paying $54.00 for something I didn't truly enjoy. The filet seemed like it has been sitting for a while before it made it to the table and wasn't good. There were bland mixed veggies piled on the plate as well and their liquid made the "so so" steak a bit soggy. Food looked like it was hastily thrown on the plate. Again, we were expecting to be wowed and left very disappointed. Mashed potatoes and bread were good. But that's not what we came for! I should have told the waiter we were not happy. I went there as a kid and I wanted to take my son there. I won't go back!!
(2)Stephanie Y.
#atlanticcity: I'm a sucker for history and boy, does this place exude it. A few quick things: 1. Make a reservation. This place is busy! 2. Don't fill up on oyster crackers and bread! Snagging a small table for two, the beau and I decided to forgo the Restaurant Week menu and stick with what we actually want. We split the app sampler, I went with the flounder topped with crab meat, he with the red snapper topped with crab meat and a slice of cheese pie for dessert. I mean, the clams casino and oyster rockefeller and even the grilled shrimp in the app sampler was perfect. Not cheap by any means, but each bite a little piece of perfection and slightly different and unique than you've had before. I would recommend any of those dishes. My flounder in a light cream sauce topped with crab was perfection. Like utter perfection. If you don't love fishy fish, but love seafood, this is the dish for you. The red snapper on the other hand was a tad bit more fishy for my liking and one bite was more than enough. The cheese pie? A whole bunch of yes! A few other items to note: Although this may be one of the more expensive restaurants in AC, service is kitschy: old school AC, I mean there's a guy playing piano tunes in the corner. It's not bad by any means, but don't expect buttoned up service. The beer list could be improved upon as it's mostly Budweiser products.
(5)Rob C.
Docks Oyster Bar was one of the most enjoyable meals I have had in AC. Great place off the hotel strips, huge oyster selection. Sea food was fresh and very well prepared. Although the prices are a bit high the quality of the meal and especially the size of the portions well makes up for it
(5)Jenn N.
Love the seafood here, everything is delectable. There were a few dish that are more on the salty side, but it's a minor thing if you have it with your sides. Waiter/waitress services were tremendously helpful. They were clear of the daily specials and had awesome recommendation. I would recommend: - Maine Clam Chowder - Chilled Shellfish Samplers (for four) - Pommes Soufflé - Shrimp Ceviche
(3)Caitlin P.
Like all the other reviews state, this place is old school AC. Easily my favorite fine dining in all of AC. Delicious and reasonably priced seafood, considering the high standards of this restaurant. I've got celiac, which can make eating out a total PITA depending on how service staff responds, and the staff here was fantastic about it. This is one of the only places I've ever been able to order gluten free clam chowder. My husband and I got oysters, soup, salad, lobster, scallops, some fish special, and desserts. Everything was awesome. Make sure to get a reservation well ahead of time. We almost missed out on eating here because we didn't book far enough in advance for a Sat night. Can't wait to come back on our next AC trip.
(5)Pierre P.
Simply AMAZING!! The Fried Oyster Parmigiana app, the Land and Sea and the Seared Scallops entrees are highly recommended!!! When in A.C.,you gotta give this place a chance. We will definitely come again!!
(5)Bethany W.
Absolutely delicious. Great service. But the wait is long (even with reservations!). My mom and I got the lobster ( yum). My brother got the fried seafood entree and loved it. It was a large portion. My dad got the clam linguine and the presentation was lovely. We also started off with the baked clams and calamari which were both very good. The executive chef also stepped outside to say hi to everyone during our meal. Definitely go but keep in mind there may be a long wait!
(5)Jamie K.
Holy Oysters. I know that this an aggressive statement but this is literally the best seafood restaurant. Ever. So amazing. It can get pricey quick (even if you don't have a red wine problem) but totally worth it. You need reservations.
(5)Albert S.
Went for post Valentines dinner. Never go on Valentines day, usually too crowded. Anyway, had an excellent meal. My wife started with the clam chowder (white) which she said was very good. It wasn't like a New England which is thick. This one had a nice creamy broth. I had Oysters for a starter; what else would you have at and Oyster house? I got the sampler (12 oysters) which were good, but they didn't tell me what type of oysters were on the plate. For dinner I had the Red Snapper special which was really good. The fish was prepared perfectly. For a side we had the fried beets which were excellent, but not easy to pick up. Almost like shoe string potatoes. My wife had the lobster tail which was very good and large. For dessert I had Joe's Cheese Pie which was excellent, but rather large and unfortunately I was too full to finish it. My wife had the chocolate cake which she said was good. Our service was really good. Everyone was friendly and attentive. My only complaints would be the Oysters not being identified and the place was extremely cold. It was a cold night, but they could have turned up the heat.
(4)Mike Z.
All I can say is wow. Thats a lot of sea food! I came here with a group of 4. Great oyster selection! We ordered a dozen for the table of combination of west and east coast. They were really good. For appetizer we ordered Tuna tar tar and a 4.25 pound lobster for the table. The waiter brought out the lobster before cooking it to show us how huge it us. That was cool! The lobster was delicious, they de-shelled him per our request and it was a lot of meat. For entrees we ordered 2 orders of soft shell crab and a filet magnon. Both were very good. Our waiter was very friendly. The food is reasonably priced. I am excited to come back here again.
(5)Michael B.
My wife and I came to Atlantic City for her birthday this year and for her birthday dinner, we went to Dock's. I understand all the great reviews. This place is awesome!! Cozy dining with very good food. Very good food!! Prices are reasonable and the portions are generous. The wait staff does an excellent job at making sure you are taken care of. Make reservations. It does get busy!
(5)Bob B.
While I thought the quality of food was solid, I'm giving this old school AC institution the full 5 for cleanliness, service and style. They do not serve full entrees at the bar, but the choice of appetizers is filling - and the guys who work the bar are really phenomenal. Gracious and fun at the same time. In the battle between the 2 grand dames (Oyster House vs. Knife and Fork) I give a solid thumbs up to my personal choice: Dock's, for the quintessential non-casino experience. Banana Creme Pie lived up to the chatter, as did shrimp ceviche, clams casino, and everything else we ordered. Nice wine list. Honestly, cheap for the overall quality. I'll probably go back tomorrow night. Why fuck around?
(5)Ade B.
"Old School" seafood place that always delivers great food and great service. This is my go-to seafood spot in Atlantic City. I've been coming here for years and never had a bad meal. The fried shrimp is a personal favorite. I feel sorry for all the people who eat in the casinos when Dock's is so much better!
(5)Victoria S.
5 stars alone for the staff. Jo made my experience wonderful. She was so knowledgeable and warm. The decor was beautiful and there was even a live piano player - on a Tuesday night! The food was excellent as well. The oysters were so fresh and tender. I can't believe how delicious they were. I tried the crab sauté. It was delightful, but would not order again - it was missing something. I will definitely be returning on my next Atlantic City trip!
(5)J I.
Had my worst restaurant experience ever at Dock's on Thursday. I had a reservation for over a weeks time, but when my party of 8 arrived we were told that our table was given away because I did not confirm the reservation. We then waited over an hour and a half before leaving. Although the hostess was apologetic, it was clear Dock's wasn't going to go out of their way to accommodate our party. We went across the street for burgers and were waited on by a much friendlier staff.
(1)Niki C.
Can't believe this is my first time dining at Dock's when I have been coming to AC all my life! The food was delicious and service was good. Although we had a resy, we had to wait just a short while in a very crowded bar/entry area to be seated- about 10 mins so no biggie except that we had a concert to go see at nearby boardwalk hall. Hostess was gracious and our waitress very sweet. Only thing I had to let her slide on is that I'm quite confident she brought me a Chardonnay when I asked for a Sauvignon Blanc. Let's blame the bartender now that I think about it, cause I really liked her. I started with fresh oysters- a combo of Cape May Salts and Malpeque while the boyfriend had the chilled lobster- great way to start an even better night! I pride myself in ordering well so I went for the seared scallops and he got the red snapper with crab meat on top. This particular night, the mister was definitely the better orderer. I make scallops at home and 9 times out of 10 do so perfectly. I once messed me up as did the chef that night- didn't get a good enough sear on them for a crispy edge, the the butter burns and alters the flavor. They were still good enough to eat so I didn't complain- I instead just saved my last bite for the BF's fish & crabmeat which was perfect! So yes, despite an error or two, this place is certainly worth coming back to! Complimentary valet and private parking lot were helpful and just a hop, skip and jump over to Boardwalk Hall afterward!
(4)Michelle X.
Service here was great. My friends made a reservation here and like most places, we can't be seated until the entire party has arrived. This establishment is very clean and was super crowded. Our table of 12 ordered 2 towers of seafood for 4 ppl each, steak, codfish, wasabi tuna, lamb, scallops, and soups. I love the Ceviche on the tower, i wished they gave more chips with it though. The raw shellfish were fresh and i liked the huge lumps of crabmeat. Maine Clam Chowder tasty, had lots of clams in shells in the soup, but a bit too salty and i wished the soup was thicker. it has a consistence of a broth. Cowboy Steak was cooked perfectly but is big enough to feed 3 people! This is definitely something you need to share or have a big appetite for! Codfish was the dish I ordered. I didn't really like this dish because it was over cooked and a lot of scallions on top. My friend ordered the same dish and his was cooked perfectly. Luckily I was able to send the dish back and switch for the Wasabi Tuna. Wasabi Tuna was awesome, I recommend ordering it with the sauce on the side. Their sauce is very salty and it takes away from the freshness and wasabi on the fish! Rack of Lamb was good, i didn't eat it but i saw all my friends enjoying it and didn't leave a single bit on their plates. Scallops are great, i wished it was served on risotto like i see in the pictures on yelp. The day I went it was served with mash and veges. The scallops are huge and plentiful, it had a nice char on it. If you come here, you must get their BANANA CREME PIE and cheesecake! it is to die for!
(4)Robert O.
My honey and I went here before the 3 Dog Night concert. We usually go to Knife and Fork (ironically owned by the same family) or The Melting Pot. Service was spot on throughout. (water delivery/refill a little slow, but so minor) Started off with a Vesper Martini, and it was very crisp and almost perfect. Apps arrived and we dug in. I had the Tuna Tartar and the Maine Clam Chowder. I've had many, many clam chowders, but this one was at the very top. The Tuna dish was also fantastic. Crab Meat Salad was also a hit. Dinner was the Beef and Reef (don't shoot me, I know it's a seafood joint) which was top notch, and the Crab Au Gratin. My wife is a sucker for cheese, and this was very satisfying. We will be returning and I will update with other dishes as I try them.
(4)Robert M.
Went to Doc's for my wife's birthday and everything was beyond wonderful. Mike our waiter was the best and made us laugh throughout the dinner. He even went as far as to scrape the seeds off my roll as I can't eat seeds. Good old fashioned service that never disappoints. I had the tuna tartar and the red snapper and my wife had the asparagus soup and a crab dish that was the best we ever had and I mean THE BEST. To finish the meal they brought a lemon meringue pie for my wife and put a candle in it and sung Happy Birthday to her. Thanks for a memorable experience for her special day. We will be back.
(5)Rob E.
Everything was truly great here. The ambiance was perfect. The food was delicious. From the soft shell crab, the clams, the crab stuff flounder, to the chowder, everything was fresh and incredibly tasty. My only minor complaint would be that the tables were very close to each other and we felt very cramped, especially when the waiters were reaching over us to serve other tables. But overall we had a great experience here.
(4)Tashnuva E.
I am not too fond of seafood but this place blew me away! First, our server, Kim was a total sweetheart! She was really accommodating and nice and helped us pick from the menu. The food itself was pretty great too! For appetizers, we got the oysters Rockefeller. It was my first time eating oysters and although I wasn't too fond of the texture and the fishy taste of it, it still wasn't bad. The calamari, however, was just absolutely fantastic. I've had a lot of calamari at a lot of different places and I must say, the calamari here was just heavenly. For the main entree, my boyfriend got the sea scallops in lobster sauce which was just spectacular (I had a taste!). I, on the other hand, got the pecan crusted salmon which was sweet and delicious! I prefer more savory salmon instead of sweet salmon so it wasn't my favorite but it was still very, very yummy. I also got a boiled potato on the side with sour cream, which complemented the fish well. Definitely give this place a try if you're in the area! Even if you're not a seafood lover, you'll definitely like the ambience of this place--there was even a live piano performance! Great service, great food, great ambience--there's not much more you can ask for!
(5)Olya R.
Good food, great service, and high class atmosphere. Went for a solo dinner and sat at the bar while being serenaded by the piano player. Their seafood was delicious and fresh with great specials. I had a special, don't recall what is was but it was delicious. Make sure you get the bread not the oyster balls s so you can dip your bread in whatever sauce you have left over.
(5)Lorin R.
As a twice yearly visitor to Atlantic City, no trip is complete without our dinner at our favorite restaurant in the world, Dock's Oyster House. From the warm and lovely welcome from the Hostess, to the guy expertly shucking the clams behind the bar, to the generous & delicious drinks poured by friendly bartenders, to the always professional and competent waitstaff, and then to the always mouth watering food that arrives, there is no other restaurant that can compare in terms of quality and consistency. This past weekend we decided to go to AC for my boyfriend's 50th birthday. I made a reservation at "Dock's" on Open Table for 6 pm on a Saturday night. Got the email confirmation, showed up at 6:05 pm, and the hostess could not find our reservation.... Uh oh. Turns out I mistakenly made the reservation at a similar sounding restaurant in NYC. Smooth move, eh? I felt like crying, and felt like such a schmuck. Luckly for us, we were at Docks in AC, and the hostess said "don't you worry, take a seat at the bar and I will squeeze you guys in". Wow. Birthday dinner crisis averted! And so graciously too I might add. There is a reason this place is the best, it isn't just the outrageous food, but the staff too. They make you feel at home and comfortable. But I digress, the food..... A few years ago I had the sea bass poached in a broth with onions, tomatoes and mushrooms, and I STILL DREAM about this dish! Seriously. One of the best dinners of my life, and I'm a foodie. I was excited to have the Cod this past weekend prepared in a similar way and sure enough it was delicious and moan worthy. We told the "shucking" guy at the bar (while waiting for our table) to pick what he though looked good for our dozen oysters and he did not disappoint. They were outstanding and each type had their own delicious flavor. My boyfriend had a filet & king crab legs and was extremely happy with both, the steak cooked to perfection and the crab legs delectable. Whether a special occasion, date night, or if you just want the best seafood around, do yourself a favor and head to Dock's. But make a reservation first!! I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
(5)Anthony D.
Amazing Place!!! This is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to in terms of food quality and service. It may seem expensive but the value for your dollar is unmatched for the quality of food and service you receive. You have to go here! And by the way for all of you oyster lovers, the price per oyster is actually less expensive and better quality than 99% of all other oyster houses around. There is almost never any shell in the oysters when I get them and if that is all you are going for then it is best to sit at the bar. The restaurant is more of a fine dining establishment. Some suggestions would be to try the seafood tower, lump crab appetizer, or any of their fresh seafood entrees. I love it when they have Chilean Sea Bass (Yummmm!) Also you have to try the lobster, get the biggest one they have available... soo good. The only downfall to the place is bathroom access for elderly/handicapped people, but I am not old yet so I don't care at this time. See you soon Dock's!!! We come here at least 2 times a year with no budget
(5)Kandace B.
Awesome food and great service! Tight quarters, so get ready to make friends with the neighboring tables, but the feel of "old time" A.C. is perfect! Great place to get off the boardwalk. Totally recommend it for a special night!
(5)John M.
Although I've had the fortune of eating at Nucky's favorite Knife & Fork before, this was my first time at Dock's. The place is always packed to the brim. The place exudes old school AC cool. Beer menu is weak, but they did have a few craft offerings. I got a Pranster from North Coast. Really good stuff. On every table is a huge glass full of oyster crackers. They also bring out warm, fluffy, fresh baked rolls for each person..... For apps, we got a sampler that included clams casino, oysters rock and grilled shrimp. All were incredible and perfect. You really should try all 3 of them. For entrees, I got a red snapper with crab meat and asparagus. It was a HUGE portion and incredibly cooked. I was very pleased with my order until I tasted wifey's. She got flounder with crab meat and cream sauce. I cannot explain how F'ing good it was. We also got two side dishes. We got the french fried beets, which were literally red beets served like onion strings. They were really, really good, and added a nice crunch to the fish dishes. We also got souffled potatoes, which were like balloon-style hollowed-out steak fries. They were damn good as well. For dessert, we got the famous cheese pie (to go). It was LARGE and real good. Total cost was under $150.
(5)Cat S.
Old fashioned Atlantic City staple (in business since 1897). Although it is not part of a resort this is a very popular and trendy scene albeit for an older crowd. We still had a lot of fun. They have a very serious seafood menu with about 10 different types of oysters!!!! Try a few but do yourself a favor and make sure the Barcats are one of the oysters you choose. They were by far the most tasty and unique we tried. Their crab and asparagus soup was just as the waitress described... amazing. My friend had the Maine clam chowder and it was pretty bland. The Tuna Tartare was another highlight. The tuna seemed extremely fresh and tasted accordingly. Beer selection was not the best. They have valet parking with a big lot.
(4)Kim B.
Excellent, Excellent, Excellent. You must make a reservation. Luckily we had one; people were getting turned away on a Tuesday night! Our server was so wonderful, she had been there for over 20 years. The oysters were delicious, the cape may salts were the best. We had the halibut special, salmon, calamari (divine!) and crab cakes which were perfect-no filler! I had Creme brûlée for dessert and it was delicious. I miss it already!
(5)Roger G.
I don't give 5 stars often but this is the best restaurant in my hometown bar none. Even casino restaurants. Not cheap but neither are casino restaurants. All fresh seafood. Oyster bar second to none. Stuffed flounder?? Get it. Fine wine? No problem. Real great service? Hell yes. Dougherty family is the best.
(5)John D.
YUM the best spot in AC....if not in front of a winning slot machine
(4)Rashid M.
My friends and I were looking for a nice place to have dinner while staying at Atlantic City. We decided to go to Dock's Oyster House after seeing so many positive reviews from Yelp. Unfortunately, this was one of the very few times that I shouldn't have listed to Yelp :) We ordered Oysters and Fried Calamari for appetizers. I'm not a fan of raw oysters, so I skipped it. The calamari had a light batter and tasted pretty good. I had been craving scallops for a while, so I decided to order the Seared Sea Scallops for my entree. Man was I dissapointed. The scallops were overcooked and very dry. Only thing that I enjoyed on my plate was the mashed potatoes. I really expected better from this restaurant.
(2)Joseph W.
Fabulous! I never use that word. Made it just in time for the last seating, around 8:15. Our server was a guy named Will. Friendly, professional, informative. Try the steamed clams. Best we ever had. My fiancee had the soft shell crabs, I had the scallops. Just really good seafood. You would expect that at the shore but don't always get it. Hats off to Dock's.
(5)Douglas C.
My friends had been here numerous times and gave rave reviews, and deservedly so. We were a party of 9 for a bachelor party and our waitress Kim did a great job. Fresh seafood is the name of the game here. Unpretentious old school feel, this place is an institution for a reason. Started off with some oysters, of which there were about 8 different varieties. Fresh salty and delicious. We also had some tuna tar tar, lobster risotto, jumbo lump crab meat, salads and shrimp cocktail. Absolutely no complaints with any of the appetizers/sides. For my main, i had flounder that was topped with crab meat in a cream sauce. Normally I prefer steak to fish, but this was awesome. The serving was large, perfectly cooked and heavy on the crab meat. The sauce was really the star. Buttery perfection, I tried to get it on each bite. This is a regular menu item but they did have some nice specials. All my friends enjoyed all their meals. Stiff drinks and absolutely fair price. Great service, a great spot!
(5)Aloysius R.
Had a wonderful meal yet again at Dock's. Started the night with a few drinks and oysters at the bar. Then proceeded to have a wonderful dinner with a tuna tartare appetizer followed by sautéed crabmeat dinner, which was wonderful, not overdone, buttery but not saturated. Wifey had the soft shell crab special which was melt in your mouth delicious. We finished with banana cream pie. The staff was wonderful. The food was delicious. Haven't had a bad meal yet. Real professionals who know how to do it right.
(5)Maggie L.
Great service and great food. I don't even like seafood but the ones I did try are amazing. Got their filet mignon and clam chowder both were great, This place is skilled in all kinds of dishes, why aren't you coming?! (Btw.. This place serves good quality food using good quality ingredients, so the price will be higher. )
(5)Tricia N.
I've been going to AC for years, and never heard of Dock's until I looked on Yelp. I am so glad I found it. It is a really old-school seafood restaurant. It was packed on a Tuesday night, but thankfully, we had reservations. It is not very large, and the tables do feel a little cramped. The menu is pretty extensive, with a really nice assortment of seafood. My husband and I shared a special soup appetizer, which had lump crap and asparagus. It might not sound that exciting, but it was awesome. I had the scallop entree, which was awesome, and my husband had the salmon risotto, which was a special that day. I was considering lobster for my main course, but all of the lobster was really expensive. I really liked the service and ambiance. I would definitely return on my next trip to AC.
(4)Daniel W.
Well, my first Yelp review. i was hoping for a noteworthy experience to mark this occasion, and boy did i get it. Here goes: based on the high ratings on yelp my expectations were incredibly high, and i've made reservations about a month in advance. The day before our reservations we got a call from the restaurant confirming our arrival. "good", i thought, "they're on top of their game". Wrong. We arrived at 7:55 (reservations were for 8:00), and were greeted by the hostess. fast forward to 20 minutes later; asking the hostess what's going on, she offered a lot of creative excuses: "It's not our fault, we give tables an hour and a half to sit, and some of them overstayed" (is that my problem?), and "oh, we have a lot of mirrors in this place, so the room looks bigger then it really is" (huh?). "We'll sit you down really soon, i promise", she said, then disappeared for 10 minutes. at this point, there were already about 10-15 people waiting to be seated. I've done something i've never done in my life and asked to see the manager. She called the head waiter (i'm not sure why), and after i told him that we've been standing here for 30 minutes waiting for our table he looked at me, pointed at the bar, and said "so go sit down and wait". Seriously? SERIOUSLY? 5 minutes later the hostess came back apologized (for the first time, yeah?) and showed us to our table. That's it. no apologies from the "manager" (who was very diligent at giving us bread and silverware) or anyone else, no one checking in later to see that we're over this disgraceful treatment. Oh, the food was pretty good - not amazing, about on par for what you'd pay for the price. if you don't mind being treated like dirt and having your reservations ignored, eat at this establishment. I know i won't, and if even one person reads this review and thinks twice before heading there, then my trip to AC will have been a success.
(1)Cliff C.
Really fun, old timey ambience, food and drink top notch, my wife and I had a great time. Very conducive to meeting and chatting wiht other diners
(4)