Doc Magrogan's Oyster House

I absolutely love oysters and have been on the hunt for good oysters in the area every since I've moved here. I've been to Doc's Magrogan's Oyster House in West Chester on two different occasions. Unfortunately both times I have been sorely disappointed! While the oysters were fresh, I had bits and pieces of the shell in almost ever half shell I got - and we must've ordered three or four dozens for 3 people. Such a shame!

Being that fresh oysters and seafood is their biggest draw... I would expect more from Doc Magrogan's! I do not plan to return to the restaurant again.

I went with a friend about 2 months ago and overall, we enjoyed it. This time, I went for a formal dinner with my family and it was a bad experience - none of us will ever return.

To start things off, we made reservations and were seated at the back of the restaurant where every 20-60 seconds, a door would slam. The heavy slam of the door was noticeably distracting and shook our booth! It would interrupt our conversation and made it difficult to enjoy our meal. So, we had to move tables. However, the waitress - who was less than friendly and outgoing and only grew more sour faced as the night continued - found it appropriate to then move us to a seat directly across the bar instead, without telling us where we were going first. This new seat was hardly better, though we supposed it was the lesser of two evils.

As the meal continued, we ordered lobster macaroni and the Asian shrimp for appetizers. Both were good, yet we did not get bread and butter until after our appetizers were served and cleared from our table, which we found to be a little odd. Usually, bread and butter comes first, doesn't it? Though it was not too big of a deal in and of itself, it only reflected on how unorganized and out of sorts the waitstaff seemed.

We ordered our mains, and here is where things became even more problematic. One member of the party ordered filet with potato and green beens, and the beans were crunchy and uncooked, the potatoes dry, and the filet very fatty. Later when our extremely pleasant waitress returned with her typically less than interested attitude to our table, we expressed our concern about the filet and vegetable plate when she asked how the food was...yet she barely reacted with more than an annoyed 'sorry', as if we had done something wrong. If a waitress is going to inquire about the meal but then does not do anything for her displeased customer, why even bother asking in the first place, I wonder...?

I ordered lobster with corn and potatoes, and this was my first time ordering a real lobster dish. I had tried lobster previously and loved it; I figured if Docs is supposed to be an esteemed seafood restaurant, why not try a classic dish? However, for such an expensive plate, I was extremely disappointed. My 35 dollar entree came served without anything to crack the shell and no cocktail fork; another waiter helping the waitress serve acted annoyed when asking for utensils and a plate (can you see a theme here? The waitstaff is either overworked or simply unfriendly!); and the lobster was EXTREMELY tough and chewy, to the point where I was unable to cut it properly, if at all, and it tasted disgusting! Lobster is mild, but it is NOT supposed to be tough and 100% flavorless. I was very displeased. A new waitress I had to flag down appeared vexed though tried to help me. Then, someone - presumably the manager - came instead of our original server and we were told a new lobster plate would be served 'in just a few moments'...yet even after having the chef come out to reassure us, I did not receive my new lobster until 10:05 PM. I waited well over half of an hour for the new lobster plate. Admittedly, I was slightly pissed when our original waitress came out with the lobster just as we were getting ready to leave, and asked if she could box it up. I felt like telling her to take the box and shove it!

It was simply because by that point, we were very tired and tired of being at the restaurant where things had gone from bad to worse. After having at least four different waiters, three of which were aloof and annoyed, and terrible service along with mediocre food, we wanted OUT. Thankfully, the lobster was taken off of the bill, yet for a less than satisfactory evening we paid close to 80 dollars.

The bottom line: Do not waste your time at this restaurant. Food is a hit or a miss, unpredictable quality and service! There is NO consistency with service and food at Doc Magrogans. Please save your time and money and go to a refutable and classy restaurant such as McCormick and Shmicks or someplace else decent. This restaurant is best for those who want to mess around at the bar and order apps vs. for a group or party coming for a nice lunch/dinner. (And on a final note, I feel it's good to mention that if you're looking to be able to hear by the end of the night, AVOID AVOID AVOID.)

We were all in the mood for good seafood and Doc Magrogan's did not let us down!

We ordered the calamari, New England chowder, and fresh Oysters for appetizers. The chowder was one of the best I've tasted- ranking among those tried in Boston. As for the main course, we ordered the lobster roll with fries and Oyster Po Boy with fries. Both were delicious!

The service was great. Also, the atmosphere was very relaxing in the outside seating and we were able to enjoy the food in beautiful weather.

The only downside would be the dessert. They only had various mousses to offer. I was hoping for other dessert items other than mousses.