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Ama Raw Bar West VillageB+Worth Trying

Name: Ama Raw Bar West Village
Address: 39 Downing St, New York, NY 10014, New York, United States
Rating: 4.6

39 Downing St, New York, NY 10014 · Seafood restaurant, Asian restaurant, Bar · 4.6/5 Google (310 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

A lively Asian-influenced raw bar with standout oysters, mussels, and cocktails; great happy hour value, but noise and service consistency can vary.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Ama Raw Bar West Village delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by memorable oysters, mussels, and crispy rice tuna, plus warm, personable service when the room flows smoothly. However, inconsistent execution during peak and happy hour periods—including oyster size variability and service pacing lapses—prevents a higher grade, as does the tight, crowded atmosphere that can overwhelm the experience. Worth visiting for happy hour value and creative seafood, especially during quieter times.

Restaurant Summary

On a quiet West Village block, Ama hums with a lively raw bar energy where oysters, cocktails, and small plates set the tone. Guests rave about warm, personable service when the room is in sync, and one diner noted the mussels as "the best broth I have had in ages." Be aware that peak hours can feel very loud and squeeze the space. The kitchen riffs on Asian flavors with seafood at the center: crisp tuna over rice, octopus with chili oil and taro, and mussels in lemongrass-coconut, sake-dashi, or spicy kimchi broths. The approach is creative fusion rather than classic raw bar minimalism, which suits adventurous eaters who enjoy bold sauces and textures. Happy hour shines for value, while the regular menu feels fair for the neighborhood. For families, the menu leans seafood-forward and adventurous. Kids who enjoy simple fried shrimp, fries, or mild noodles might find a foothold in nori fries or udon, but there is no classic kids menu and flavors can run spicy or sea-forward. Consider off-peak visits if you need quieter conversation.

At a Glance

Strong happy hour for oysters and cocktails
Memorable mussel broths and crispy rice tuna
Friendly staff with standout servers and event support
Noise levels high at peak; tight quarters
Inconsistent oyster size/HH execution

What Sets It Apart

creative_asian_raw_bar
mussel_trio_broths
strong_happy_hour
private_event_room

What People Love

Fresh oysters with inventive sauces
Comforting mussel broths that invite bread-dipping
Playful cocktails like the lychee martini
Staff who remember guests and guide choices

Points of Concern

Noise is genuinely high at peak times; conversation can be difficult
Happy hour execution can strain service speed and stock
Oyster size varies; HH trays may run small
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$45-65 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Pair mussels with Nori Fries to soak up broth.
If oysters are your focus, consider upgrading to premium selections outside HH for larger size.
Choose Miso Glazed Salmon for a gluten-free friendly large plate.
Ask for spice adjustments on Yuzu Pepper Shrimp if sensitive.

Perfect For

Happy hour oyster runs with friends
Casual date nights with cocktails
Seafood lovers chasing creative flavors
Private birthdays or small celebrations

Location Insights

Area: Charming, upscale West Village block popular for date nights, bars, and small-plate dining.

Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked evenings; typical busy Manhattan foot traffic.

Nearby: Near other cocktail bars, bistros, and residential walk-ups; destination for casual nightlife.

West VillageThe West Village is characterized by its charming tree-lined streets, historic townhouses, and a strong sense of community. The dining scene is eclectic, ranging from upscale restaurants to cozy cafes and trendy eateries, attracting a crowd that appreciates quality and ambiance in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday17:00–21:30 Tuesday17:00–21:30 Wednesday17:00–21:30 Thursday17:00–21:30 Friday17:00–22:00 Saturday16:00–22:00 Sunday16:00–21:30

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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