Dock Street Oyster Bar
| Address: | 12 Dock St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA |
| Phone: | +1 910-762-2827 |
| Site: | dockstreetoysterbar.net |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | Closed 4–9:30PM 4–9:30PM 4–9:30PM 3–9:45PM 3–9:45PM 3–9:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
JA
Jaycee Crider
Im a Transwoman, still married to my British bride and living fulltime. My NC drivers licence has my actual female photo, but male gender marker. Which will be changed in a couple months (pending 10-card and CBC passage from FBI). We had a great dinner last night ($100 tab), and returned again tonight ($100 tab), as its the only shellfish bar we like thats walking distance to our hotel. The food is fresh and good. The wait staff are EXCELLENT and have always been incredible. We tip 20% on paper, and another $20 cash, because the staff has always been exemplary. Tonight, however, the owner actually told our waitress to ask for my photo ID when we used a credit card (I guess he didnt expect it to be my Brides card). No one else was asked while we were there, and if there was a fraud concern, it should have been stated last night. Our card cleared, so why ask the next night? No reasonable explanation is possible. Its called discrimination Weve never been asked before IN THE PAST 6 YEARS, when I portrayed a male, but were asked tonight, because Im now living as a female and dining with my Bride. I thought the days of HB-2 were behind us, but apparently not yet. There may not be Bathroom Gender Police, but there are Transphobic business owners. My wife and I wore sundresses, which are the norm this time of year. I didnt show up in a bikini or attempt to use the restroom. If you are LGBTQ (especially TG), then search elsewhere for a raw bar or fresh seafood! No need for owner response, as we wont be going back.
KR
Krissy Goff
Good food, fun and colorful atmosphere. Really bright and lively. Larger groups could be an issue since there is very limited room. But it does keep the authentic beach, oyster bar, vibe going. Sit at a table, at the bar, or at one of the small tables out front. Our waitress was really nice and helpful, and they had enough staff to keep things running smoothly on a Friday night. Beer selection is good. Wine selection is ok. Cocktails are creative and include the requisite oyster shooter. But just the original, no creative oyster shooter variations. I did have their Bloody Mary version of a martini with a raw oyster included. The oyster was really the best part. The rest was pretty much watery tomato juice and lots and lots of old bay seasoning. This drink could use a tad bit of work to compliment the tasty oyster! The cocktail with champagne with pomegranate juice was really good. Not too sweet with a dry champagne and the juice was good. Beers are mostly NC selections, which is great. Overall a fun place to try. Ive just really had better seafood and drinks for the price. Weve gotten really really spoiled in NC! Not a bad price, food was good. Just not enough to top the 5 star mark for me. If youre in town is worth checking out if youre in this type of mood though. Key lime pie was really great though. We asked, and is not made in house, but in Key West. Great sweet/tangy flavor with a wonderful graham cracker crust. So good!
LF
lfury mom
I had been here about 3 years ago and really liked it, however that was not the case this last time. I dont write many reviews but when I do I am honest to point out the good and the bad about my experience. First of all it doesnt seem to be a very kid friendly place despite the crayons and the high chairs they offer. My son was not in the best mood so the server offered us some cherries and oranges which was great of her and showed awesome customer service. I ordered a plain grilled fish fillet for my daughter which was not on the kids menu but they tried to accommodate. Despite this the fish was RAW and by the time I noticed my 4 year old had gone through half the fillet. I had my husband check before sending it back to make sure I wasnt being an overbearing mom. I sent it back and after having a group of workers survey the fish in the kitchen they took it back. The second plate was properly cooked but this time it was over seasoned and my daughter had to do with what she had. I ordered the shrimp sandwich which to me was undercooked as well and over seasoned with a bucket of pepper on boiled potatoes. I got through half of my plate and decided I could no longer bare the taste. TMI warning but it made both my daughter and I sick, it took about 15 min to have an affect on us and had us running to a bathroom. Surprisingly we made it but I would never go back there again.
MA
Matthew Brink
Food was good, environment was nice. Can get overcrowded fast. Definitely a tourist hot spot, if thats your thing. Unfortunately, our experience was ruined by the young waitress we had. From the time she came over, I felt like she was rushing us. All I wanted was raw oysters for an appetizer. Turned into a huge headache. So she sees my fiance looking at the drink list after we place our orders, she runs over and asks her if she wants a drink. She said yes, that she wanted a margarita and I was going to order a drink as well. She then asks my fiance for her ID. She was wearing a dress and didnt have it on her. After she said that, the waitress just turns around and walks away. A real shame because this place has the potential to be a great seafood dive. However the young waitstaff is its downfall.
AS
Ashlyn J
Cool atmosphere, good drinks, I enjoyed the peel & eat shrimp.. they were clearly fresh, there just werent many. My boyfriend struggled with the crab legs and said there was something "off" about them, Ive never had crab so I cant vouch for that. Our waitress was great even though she clearly had too many tables to herself on a busy night. The manager came over asking us how everything was immediately after she did and began trash talking her saying "we cant get high reviews with waitresses that dont even know their numbers" and made it sound like he was on the verge of firing her... even though she was doing just fine... that made things awkward. It was just "okay" for me overall.
BR
Brea Jewell
We went on a Saturday night and got the "Leg and Tail" and Shrimp n Grits special. The food was great but definitely pricier then we were expecting. The atmosphere, however, was less then ideal. We waited outside for an hour (20 minutes of which we were watching parties of 4 who just arrived be seated because there only 2 tops were gabbing away and they refused to seat us at a 4 top). The bar was in full swing so it was loud and while waiting outside we were dealing with our fellow drunken patrons also waiting for a seat. The food was good but absolutely not worth the experience. If Im paying 75 bucks for a dinner for two I want to be able to hear my dinner partner.
DA
Dannielle Smallwood
Yum, yum and yum!!! This place is awesome. We were driving from Myrtle Beach on our way to Richmond and decided to stop through Wilmington to check it out and for lunch. I read a few restaurant reviews and we decided on Dock Street. James River oysters on the half shell!! Yum! Pulled Poker slider on jalapeño corn bread buns! Double Yum!! Fresh Tuna Tacos!! Triple Yum!! Please dont be put off by the storefront, I know it looks small, but its a cute little local place and the food is AMAZING!!! This place should be on the Food Networks Diners, Drive-in and Dives.
