VIBE

Enjoy high-quality fish that tastes like it came right off the boat at this open and lively SoHo seafood bar and neighborhood corner hotspot. Aquagrill hosts a vivacious urbane crowd that gathers in the cocktail lounge and at the world-famous raw bar to watch the popular oyster shucking. During nice weather, the outdoor terrace, surrounded by shoreline-suggestive clumps of sea grass, bustles with crowds eager for sunshine and the city breezes. Complete with warm yellow-washed walls and crowbar seating, this original seafood bar serves up style as well as tasty fresh-from-sea eats.

CROWD

30-/40-something professionals, older happy-hour frequenters, and SoHo locals.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

The crowd tends to be upscale casual; try a linen skirt and matching top with nice sandals/flats and your favorite necklace.

GO HERE WITH

Groups; friends; family; significant other; a date; yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

Reservations are recommended for main dining room seating, but drop-ins are also encouraged. Full menus are offered at the bar, lounge, and outdoor terrace, so you can enjoy the same experience regardless of your seating preference.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Nothing.

GOOD TO KNOW

Chef-owner Jeremy Marshall, who began his cooking career at 17 as an apprentice at Le Cirque, teamed up with his wife, Jennifer Marshall, to open up Aquagrill. The restaurant is known not only for the quality of its oysters, but also for the quantity. In addition to the eclectic wine selection and inventive seafood platters, numerous international varieties of fresh oysters are served on any given day (check the website for the daily listing of oysters and specials).

CLOSEST COMPS

BLT Fish (New York); Blue Water Grill (New York)

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