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Hours
Sun
4:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Mon
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tue
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wed
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thu
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fri
4:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Sat
4:00 pm - 9:30 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, American, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
Menu
Raw Bar
Today's Oyster Selections
Oysters can be ordered individually and all are served with a house made cocktail sauce and a cider mignonette
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Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
Owned and operated by the Dougherty family since 1897, Dock's Oyster House is an Atlantic City institution. Offering a full raw bar with as many as 10 different oysters per night along with clams, mussels, shrimp, crabmeat, chilled lobster, tuna sashimi and ceviche, Dock's is renowned for the freshest seafood in town along with great steaks and an award-winning wine list. Dock's is currently open daily for takeout and for outdoor dining!
CUISINES
American, Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
1,735 reviews
Excellent
1,283
Very good
297
Average
79
Poor
47
Terrible
29
Keri
Troy38 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We had reservations for 7:30pm on a Thursday. We were promptly greeted, seated and told our waiter would be a few minutes. No problem. The waiter came over about 5 minutes later and provided the specials and we ordered our drinks and apps. We had the Dock's spritz (a prosecco, St. Germain and lemonade cocktail) and a grapefruit tequila cocktail. The spritz was refreshing and light. The grapefruit cocktail was a little too acidic. We started with the chilled shellfish sampler for 2. Everything was perfect and so fresh. I ate all of the raw items (since my boyfriend is not fan) and was very satisfied with the quality and preparation. The portion of lump crab meat was very generous and the ceviche was wonderful. We also had the fried calamari which was light, crisp and served with lemon and marinara. Another staff member brought and cleared our appetizer plates, so our waiter never came back to get our entree orders. While it was moderately busy, we attempted to flag him down on a few occasions and he just was not attentive to our table. Since he did not bring or clear the first course, my expectations are that he would have come over to check on us. Not the biggest deal, we finally got his attention and were able to place our entree orders which were out in about 20 minutes or so.
We ordered the baked flounder stuffed with crabmeat served with a light cream sauce of tomatoes, mushrooms and asparagus and the Dock's seafood fry shrimp, flounder and a crab cake breaded with crispy Japanese breadcrumbs and served with french fries. The stuffed flounder was phenomenal and the star dish for us. Flaky, rich and creamy and the crabmeat, plentiful and sweet. I could not finish it. The seafood fry was breaded nicely with panko and fried to perfection. The french fries were interesting. They were more of a thin chip than a french fry. They were good, but it was an overkill. They were drowning the plate and falling off of it. Half of a plate full had to be removed to get to the the seafood. It seemed to be used as a filler, but it wasn't necessary and took away for the seafood. We both agreed the flounder entree was far superior. We were both too full for dessert. We would definitely return when visiting AC.
Written 1 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eugene J
Prospect Park245 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
had monday dinner at Dock's. The service was excellent with both our server and the team approach to providing quick service. Our waiter provided a couple of excellent recommendation after we asked some questions. My girlfriend enjoyed the special seafood risotto of the evening, we both enjoyed the cold oyster selection that was recommended and my crab au gratin which is one of thier classic dishes was to die for. Would definitely go back. Was superior to all the casino restaurants we went to and in most cases more reasonable.
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrsb070712
New York City32 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
We visited Dock’s this past weekend. We made a reservation for outdoor seating under the tent and were immediately seated when we arrived. All tables were distanced and there was hand sanitizer placed on each table. We enjoyed cocktails and the calamari appetizer which tasted very fresh and delicious. My husband enjoyed the seafood combo and I thoroughly enjoyed my crab cakes. Service was great, I ordered a cocktail that I didn’t like and the waiter quickly replaced it with another that I did enjoy. Overall a great experience, we will visit again.
Written 4 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerry K
Rio Grande7 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
Worst New England clam chowder ever. It was like drinking a glass of warm milk. Waiter said that it is very watery because that is why it's called Maine chowder instead of New England. Ceasar salad loaded with brown pieces of romainee. Awful. The bad soup, the rotted pieces of lettuce and the waiter forgot our appetizer it was a bad experience for our first time there. Won't recommend it and won't be back.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ss9968
Carmel35 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
The food is very good and fresh however it is located a bit downtown. Staff is ok needs more knowledge on food as I have severe acid reflux and most places make risotto with onion, I ask if there was onion in it the waitress said no but there were chunks of onion all over it that I had to pull out. But the seafood is very good and fresh
Written 2 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
494PatriciaS
Princeton77 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
Docks was a bit disappointing after a stellar visit about 5 years ago, probably as they are still recovering from closure during COVID. Last time we dined there my husband had their gluten free crab cakes which are hard to find elsewhere and so he ordered those again. I ordered the rack of lamb over mashed potatoes and both came with mixed sautéed squash, onion and pepper. My lamb came with French fried beets which I couldn’t have due to medical condition.. Then we ordered a salad of mixed greens with apple, walnuts and crumbled blue cheese to share. Our server was very nice and attentive, and we discussed for at least a couple of minutes how I wanted the lamb cooked — I stressed pink throughout, a cross between medium and medium rare. She said I had to choose one method and so I said medium as long as it’s pink; she agreed. She did recommend a good Pinot Noir for me to try and I did enjoy it. The first problem occurred when they brought us the house arugula salad instead of the one we ordered. We sent that back and they brought the correct one. Then the entrees arrived and my lamb was totally grey — no pink observed at all. I told the busboy that our server promised it would be pink; he offered to send it back but I told him to please hurry it as I had taken medicine that requires me to eat within 20 minutes and that had already passed. Sure enough it took at least another 10-15 minutes to get the properly cooked pink lamb and my husband had almost finished his crab cakes by then. The portions were large and we were full so did not look at the dessert menu but others who had ordered dessert had huge pieces of pie and cake arrive to their tables. The food was good when it finally arrived properly to our table but again, not as impressive as five years ago. . .
Written 8 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica B
23 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
My boyfriend and I headed down for a late (9pm) dinner after a workday for me. I got out of work late so I was stressing if we’d be late to our reservation, especially as it was the last seating. I texted the restaurant (they had texted me earlier to confirm and offer an earlier seating) and they said it wouldn’t be a problem.
As we entered the hostesses were more than friendly and welcoming, telling us now we’re here to relax and enjoy dinner and not to worry about anything. Our server (Raj?) was very kind and warm. There was a piano player on the other side of our booth. I’m not sure if it was a set he played or if he was taking requests.
We started out our meal with two dirty martinis, which arrived rather quickly, and they were delicious. We sampled all of the raw oysters on the menu and these were wonderful - fresh, not gritty at all. We will definitely order more next time! Then we split a house salad which was very tasty, and shared a steak entree. I am so used to the a la carte type steakhouses the we frequent that it was refreshing to see a steak that came with asparagus and mashed potatoes. It was definitely a reasonably priced dining experience for the quality of food. I wish we had room for dessert, but we did not. My boyfriend got an espresso however, which he said was good.
Our server helped call us a cab since we weren’t sure if we could hail one easily from the location. Overall we felt they were very swift with service and the food coming out, and very attentive, but this could be in part that they were closing and wanted everyone out. We really enjoyed our experience and can’t wait to go back.
Written 29 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bear8alot
Ottawa10 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
From the minute we arrived the service was excellent and we never felt rushed. The food was outstanding - we had crab au gratin - so yummy and crab cakes as well as delicious vegetables. The oysters Rockefeller were so well done and not often seen on menus anymore.
Would definitely recommend this restaurant but get a reservation as it is busy! Easy to walk to in about 5 minutes from Caesars.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crystal L
Alexandria18 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
The oyster house is one of the oldest restaurants in Atlantic City. It was passed down through generations. The restaurant looks modern, there is a piano bar, and 2 floors of dining. We ordered the oysters, the flounder and one of the specials of the night for main course. The food was delicious, service was fast.
I recommend making reservations in advance as it was crowded on a Tuesday night. The restaurant is also located 2-3 blocks away from the Caesars Casino/Boardwalk, so walk with someone after dark, as certain areas can be sketchy.
Overall we had a great time, would recommend the restaurant to anyone visiting Atlantic City!
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donsylv
28 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
The food was awesome. Oysters on the half shell, Red snapper, Salmon with pecan crust. It was all outstanding. The only disappointment was the clams casino. Every recipe I have ever read, and every occasion I have had to eat them, says that the clams should be detached from the shell. These were not. Don't misunderstand me. The taste was great, but difficult and messy to eat. When we asked the waiter we got the lame excuse that "that's the way we do it."
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
warden204
Northfield21 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
First, We hate to write bad reviews especially during these Covid times BUT, here we go, It was our 35th Wedding Anniversary, our favorite restaurants were closed so we decided to Dock's Oyster House since we have been there before and enjoyed it very much. We arrived in a pouring rain and was quickly seated, we sat for several minutes before anyone came to our table after she arrived ( I do not want to use her name) cam to our table,my husband tried to joke a bit about the weather to make light of things but she acted as if he wasn't there and asked if we would like a drink, we said yes please it was our anniversary and we were there to celebrate, she never even acknowledged my husband mentioned it. Drinks came, we waited again, order was taken, very business like. apps arrived, very good but we had to ask for silverware and napkins to eat them. Afterwards, dinner arrived, we had to ask for condiments. Really, through the whole dinner we may have seen her 3 times while the waitress severing the tables across from us was friendly and joking with her guest. Just want to say the food was good but our server really made the meal just mediocre.
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
docrxpert
Media216 contributions
Aug 2020 • friends
We went out with 2 other couples who are also Covid compliant. The parking lot is beautifully set up with a tent and lights and music. It was a terrific night and the drinks and food were superb. We had clams- soft shell crabs- salads and fried shrimp. Everything came out perfectly and we really enjoyed ourselves.
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CharlieSDesign
Wayne41 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
Celebrating a birthday in AC, Docks did not disappoint - delicious and unique cocktails and a wide variety of oysters that were all perfectly prepared.
Hands down the best fried calamari we’ve had in stateside; light, fresh (not chewy) and thin calamari rounds - delicious.
Our entrees, the scallops and flounder with crab were both prepared perfectly.
Written 18 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel D
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • couples
Decided to take my wife here for our Anniversary were seated at 7:15 PM and sat for 20 minutes until we even got a glass of water. I was not happy but thought, "ok, maybe it was a bump, and things will improve." We then ordered clams casino and corn and crab chowder. The chowder was delicious, but the clams casino was disappointing as they were not detached from the shell before their preparation. You could not eat them out of the shell, prompting you to remove the toppings, scrape them out, and eat them off the plate.
I got the crab cakes for our entrees, and my wife ordered the flounder with crab. My crab cakes were good, not great, but the squash and zucchini medley with it was so salty it was inedible.
The pinnacle of our meal was my wife's meal. She had to cut the flounder with a knife. She tapped on it with her spoon, and it was like hitting a plastic container as you heard the smacking sound due to the dryness of the overcooked fish. Her meal was different from what I, or anyone else, expected for $34.00, let alone $1.99.
Eventually, the staff appeared and we sent it back but during the interim, I was sharing my meal with my wife. The server offered to bring the menu to my wife to order something else which she declined out of disappointment and the fact she already had half my dinner.
We ordered a slice of lemon meringue pie to salvage our special day and requested the check. The flounder dish was removed from the check, but there was no apology or attempt to correct the event. The server came to receive payment, and I requested they remove the lemon meringue pie from the check as my wife's meal and service were highly disappointing. They responded, "Oh, we can do that." Why did I have to ask? Why couldn't they fix this horrible experience? You will be disappointed if you want to come here and drop a few hundred dollars on a meal and experience.
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David
Columbus10 contributions
Sept 2021 • none
We were not familiar with Oysters at all, so we tried every variety that was offered and absolutely loved it! We then had crab cakes and they were amazing. Then we circled back around and had more oysters! So happy we tried this place. Our waitress was Jody and she was amazing as well! Happy hour has limited seating so there was a line at 4:00, but service was extremely fast!
Written 13 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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