Harry’s Oyster Bar & Seafood in Atlantic City closes its doors at the end of the month

Hira Qureshi
Cherry Hill Courier-Post

ATLANTIC CITY - Harry’s Oyster Bar & Seafood in Atlantic City is closing its doors after a 10-year run. 

The restaurant announced on a Facebook post that it had come to the end of its lease and will close after Sept. 26. 

Frank Dougherty and his wife Maureen Shay opened Harry’s Oyster Bar & Seafood in 2011 at Bally’s Atlantic City, an homage to Dougherty's great-grandfather, Harry "Dock" Dougherty. The couple also owns Knife & Fork Inn, Dougherty’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar and Linwood Country Club.

Harry's Oyster Bar & Seafood's outdoor dining area is shown in Atlantic City.

Harry opened Dock’s Oyster House in 1897, which quickly became known for its oyster stews, fried fish and raw bar. Dougherty and Shay own the restaurant that has been open for more than 120 years. 

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With an interior decorated with mahogany millwork, maritime-inspired lighting, hardwood floors and tin ceiling, guests could enjoy menu items like the raw bar featuring oysters, crabmeat cocktail, shrimp ceviche and more; appetizers like steamed clams; Harry’s specialties like grilled mahi or garlic shrimp tacos; sandwiches like tempura fish; chowders; and salads.

Tuna Tartare is shown at Harry's Oyster Bar & Seafood in Atlantic City.

People in the area expressed their thoughts on the beloved restaurant’s closing.

“This is where I learned to LOVE OYSTERS! Ugh! They were so good,” Jennifer Tedesco Connelly commented on the Facebook post.

“Oh, I loved going there, sitting at the outdoor bar!!! I'm gonna miss this place!,” Mary Maio Strugibenetti wrote.

“This is really unfortunate …  I always go there when I’m in AC! Always had a great experience there … sad to see you guys go,” Nicole Palitchka added in the comments.

"So sad … Our first stop when we go to AC,” said Sean Mason.

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“This is so sad to hear. One of my favorite, favorite places!!,” Steven Daszykowski shared.

Laura Marie commented: “This is honestly devastating. We've had so many great times there. Never a bad meal. Always something to look forward to.”

If you go

The restaurant will be open daily from noon to 10 p.m. until Sept. 26, All merchandise is 50% off till the closing date. All gift cards can be redeemed at other Dougherty restaurants.

1900 Pacific Ave, 609-431-0092; harrysoysterbar.com

Hira Qureshi covers food and drink for the Courier Post, Burlington County Times, Daily Journal, Bucks County Times andIntelligencer. She can be reached at HQureshi@gannettnj.com or 856-287-8106. Help support local journalism with a digital subscription.