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Flex Mussels
- 1431 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Seafood restaurant, Bar ★4.0 (237)·$50–100

1431 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA

4.0
Dined here earlier this week and had a lovely time. Arrived during the transition between lunch and dinner so had limited menu options but it was fine. What was available was delicious. I liked that alternative options to mussels in white wine sauce were listed, that was a nice change. This version of mussels had a nice kick. Bread had to be requested, it wasn’t included which was fine. Just could let all that yummy broth the mussels were sitting in go to waste. I’m a bit particular with French fries and these were perfect. I recommend checking this place out. Perfect for solo eating, a date, yap session with friends, etc. I’m not on the UES often but I definitely want to come back and try more of their menu. - Shemeeka Greaves
Flex Mussels Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$50–100 per person Reported by 237 people$20–30$30–50$50–100$100+

Flex Mussels Introduce

Flex Mussels: A New York Seafood Staple

When it comes to seafood in New York City, few names resonate as strongly with locals and visitors alike as Flex Mussels. Nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side, this celebrated restaurant has carved out a unique niche for itself, becoming a go-to spot for those craving fresh, expertly prepared seafood in a welcoming atmosphere. While the name might suggest a singular focus, Flex Mussels offers a surprisingly extensive menu that goes far beyond its famous shellfish, providing a truly diverse dining experience. From perfectly cooked fish and juicy burgers to a tempting array of desserts and creative cocktails, it's a place that promises something for everyone. Whether you're planning a romantic date night, a casual get-together with friends, or a solo dining adventure, Flex Mussels delivers on all fronts with its blend of high-quality food, friendly service, and a cozy yet trendy vibe.


Location and Accessibility

Flex Mussels is conveniently located at 1431 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA. This prime Upper East Side address makes it easily accessible for anyone in the city. The restaurant's location is well-served by public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes running nearby. For those driving, paid street parking is available, though it can be competitive depending on the time of day. The establishment is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all its guests, offering wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms. This thoughtful approach ensures that everyone can comfortably enjoy their dining experience. The neighborhood itself is vibrant and upscale, making a visit to Flex Mussels a perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding shops, parks, and cultural attractions of the Upper East Side.


Services Offered

Flex Mussels provides a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the needs of its diverse clientele.

  • Dine-in: Enjoy a full-service dining experience within the restaurant's cozy and romantic interior. Reservations are recommended for lunch, brunch, and dinner, as the restaurant can get quite busy, especially on weekends.

  • Outdoor Seating: Take advantage of the pleasant New York weather with the option to dine outside. This is a great choice for a more relaxed, casual meal and a must-have feature for many New Yorkers.

  • Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, Flex Mussels offers convenient takeout and delivery services. This allows you to savor their delicious food from the comfort of your own space.

  • Table Service: The restaurant features professional and attentive table service, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience from start to finish.

  • Bar Onsite: A full-service bar is available, offering a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including a great variety of cocktails, beer, wine, and hard liquor.

  • Payment Options: Flex Mussels makes paying for your meal easy and secure by accepting all major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

  • Accessibility: The restaurant provides a wheelchair-accessible restroom and seating to accommodate guests with mobility needs.


Features and Highlights

Flex Mussels stands out from the competition thanks to a number of key features and highlights that consistently receive praise from diners.

  • Exceptional Mussels Menu: The star of the show, without a doubt, is the incredible variety of mussel preparations. Instead of just a single offering, Flex Mussels presents over a dozen unique and flavorful options, from the spicy Fra Diavolo to the creamy Dijon and rich Parma. This menu diversity is a major draw for seafood lovers. Reviewers consistently mention the lack of an "unpleasant smell" and the rich broth that is perfect for dipping bread.

  • Great Cocktails and Desserts: The bar at Flex Mussels is celebrated for its fantastic cocktail menu, making it a great spot for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap. Similarly, the dessert menu receives high marks, particularly the famous Flex Donuts, which are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

  • Fast and Attentive Service: The staff at Flex Mussels are known for their efficiency and professionalism. Diners often highlight the fast service and the tactful, charming nature of the staff, which contributes significantly to the overall positive dining experience.

  • Variety of Menu Offerings: While mussels are the specialty, the menu extends far beyond them to include comfort food, healthy options, small plates, salads, and entrees. Popular non-mussel items include the juicy Wagyu burger, the rich Lobster Roll, and a variety of appetizers like Crab Guacamole and Burnt Fingers. The menu is flexible enough to please different tastes and dietary needs.

  • Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The restaurant's ambiance is described as a perfect blend of casual, cozy, and romantic. It’s a versatile setting that works for a low-key lunch, a trendy dinner, or a special occasion date. This welcoming atmosphere helps make every visit memorable.

  • Popularity and Planning: Flex Mussels is a favorite among both locals and tourists. Given its popularity, reservations are strongly recommended for all dining periods. The restaurant is often busy and may have a wait, which is a testament to its quality and demand.

  • Family-Friendly Amenities: High chairs are available for younger diners, making it a good choice for families with children. Additionally, dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area, which is a plus for pet owners.


Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or to place a takeout order, you can contact Flex Mussels using the information below.

Address: 1431 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
Phone: (212) 717-7772


What Is Worth Choosing at Flex Mussels

Choosing to dine at Flex Mussels is an experience that offers a variety of compelling reasons beyond just its name. The core of its appeal lies in its unwavering commitment to quality and variety. What truly sets this restaurant apart is its remarkable ability to take a single dish—mussels—and reinvent it in over a dozen innovative ways, each with its own distinct flavor profile. This makes it a place you can return to again and again without ever getting tired of the menu.

The menu is thoughtfully crafted to cater to every kind of diner. For those who aren't in the mood for mussels, the "Not Mussels" and "Sandwiches" sections offer equally tempting options. From the succulent Lobster Roll to the perfectly charred Char Grilled Burger and the rich Grilled Faroe Island Salmon, there is no shortage of delicious alternatives. The small plates, such as the Crab Guacamole and the Deviled Eggs, are perfect for sharing or for a lighter meal.

A visit to Flex Mussels is also about the complete dining experience. The ambiance is a rare find in a bustling city—it manages to be both cozy and romantic, creating a perfect backdrop for intimate conversations or lively group gatherings. The service is consistently praised for being both fast and friendly, with staff members who are knowledgeable about the menu and genuinely dedicated to ensuring guests have a great time. This level of service transforms a simple meal into a memorable occasion.

Finally, you should choose Flex Mussels for the little details that make a big difference. This includes their celebrated Parmesan Truffle Fries, which are perfect for dipping into the flavorful mussel broths, and their incredible dessert options, especially the famous Flex Donuts. The combination of fantastic food, a welcoming atmosphere, and top-notch service makes Flex Mussels not just a restaurant to eat at, but a destination to experience. It’s a hidden gem that feels like a local favorite, and once you visit, you’ll understand why.

Flex Mussels Menu

  • Small

  • Crab Guacamole $24.00

    Avocado, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, lime, lump crab, corn tortilla

  • Deviled Eggs $18.00

    Bacon, crispy shallots

  • Burnt Fingers $24.00

    Crispy calamari, shrimp, oyster, shishito pepper, calabrian chili aioli

  • Whipped Ricotta $18.00

    Truffle, caramelized onion marmalade, chives, and charred sourdough.

  • Fish Tacos $18.00

    Crispy hake, avocado, slaw, pickled fresno, chipotle aioli

  • Smoked Fish Dip $18.00

    Smoked trout, pickled onion, tabasco crema, cucumber, and crunchy bread.

  • Mussels, Mussels, Mussels

  • Scampi $34.00

    Shrimp, white wine, lemon, basil, garlic butter, capers, and parmesan croutons.

  • Bangkok $32.00

    Shrimp, jalapeno, cilantro, ginger, garlic, coconut broth

  • Dijon $30.00

    Dijon mustard, white wine, creme fraiche, and parsley.

  • Fra Diavolo $29.50

    San marzano tomato, olive oil, fresh basil, red pepper, and garlic.

  • Parma $32.50

    Parmigiano cream, lemon, scallion, toasted garlic, and crispy shallot.

  • Classic $28.50

    White wine, herbs, and garlic.

  • Fungi $32.50

    Wild mushrooms, double smoked bacon, and porcini cream.

  • Thai $32.50

    Curry coconut broth, lemongrass, lime leaf, coriander, and ginger.

  • Bruschetta $42.00
  • Salads

  • Bibb $16.00

    Maytag blue cheese, candied pecan, honey crisp apple, shallot vinaigrette.

  • Caesar $18.00

    Baby romaine, anchovy, parmesan, garlic crouton.

  • Kale $26.00

    Grilled shrimp, pecorino, pine nut, lemon vinaigrette

  • Cobb $20.00

    Egg, avocado, bleu cheese, bacon, champagne vinaigrette. With chicken or lobster for additional charge.

  • Small Bites

  • Whipped Ricotta $18.00

    Truffle, caramelized onion, chives, charred sourdough.

  • Deviled Eggs $14.00

    Bacon, crispy shallot.

  • Fish Dip $18.00

    Smoked trout, pickled Fresno chili, crunchy bread.

  • Sandwiches

  • Lobster Roll $42.00

    Mayonnaise, celery, and fries.

  • Filet O'flex $26.00

    Panko crusted hake, tartar sauce, American cheese, iceberg, potato bun, and fries.

  • Char Grilled Burger $28.00

    Double patty, american cheese, sauteed onion, special sauce, fries

  • For The Table

  • Crab Guacamole $24.00

    Smashed avocado, lox, cucumber, pickled red onion, crispy caper, poached egg.

  • Burnt Fingers $24.00
  • Deviled Eggs $19.00

    Bacon, crispy shallots

  • Everything Donuts $14.00

    Everything seasoning, herbed cream cheese

  • Entrées

  • Baked Eggs In Purgatory $21.00
  • Blueberry Pancake $17.00
  • Baby Romaine In Purgatory $21.00

    Boston lettuce, blondee apple, manchego, almond, herbs, champagne vinaigrette

  • Open-Faced Omelette $22.00

    Egg white, kale, mushroom, piquillo pepper, onion, feta.

  • Kale Salad With Shrimp $26.00

    Grilled shrimp, savoy cabbage, sesame, Thai peanut dressing.

  • Sides

  • Parmesan Truffle Fries $13.00
  • Flex Fries $9.00

    French fries

  • Smoked Salmon $12.00

    Watermelon radish, champagne vinaigrette, parmesan.

  • Salads

  • Bibb Salad $18.00

    Boston lettuce, valencia orange, manchego, herbs, champagne vinaigrette

  • Kale Salad $17.00

    Pecorino, toasted breadcrumb, pine nut, lemon vinaigrette

  • Caesar Salad $18.00

    Little gem, anchovy, parmesan, and sourdough.

  • Mussels

  • Parma $31.50

    Parmigiano cream, lemon, scallion, crispy shallot.

  • Classic $27.50

    Garlic, herb, butter.

  • Thai $31.50

    Coconut curry, lemongrass, lime leaf, coriander, ginger.

  • Fra Diavolo $28.50

    San Marzano tomato, garlic, basil, chili flake.

  • Desserts

  • 6 Flex Donuts $19.00

    Vanilla bean dipping sauce, choice of six flavors

  • Brownie Sundae $14.00

    warm brownie, vanilla gelato, salted caramel, sticky nuts, luxardo cherry

  • 4 Flex Donuts $15.00
  • Lemon Meringue $13.00

    lemon curd, meringue, graham cracker

  • Sides

  • Flex Fries $9.00

    French fries

  • Parmesan Truffle Fries $13.00
  • Two Eggs $7.00

    Your way.

  • Seasonal Berries $12.00
  • Mixed Greens $12.00

    Watermelon radish, champagne vinaigrette, parmesan.

  • Old Bay Fries $11.00
  • Bacon $12.00
  • Sandwiches

  • Tuna Melt $22.00

    celery, shallot, mayo, new school American cheese, sourdough, flex fries

  • Chicken Avocado Club $22.00

    Chicken, bacon, guacamole, pickled red onion, chipotle aioli, flex fries

  • Lobster Roll $42.00

    fried oysters, shredded lettuce, pickles, remoulade, fries

  • Char Grilled Burger $28.00

    Double patty, american cheese, sauteed onion, special sauce, fries. Add egg or bacon for additional charge.

  • Filet 0 Flex $26.00

    Panko crusted hake, tartar sauce, cheddar, iceberg, potato bun, fries.

  • Not Mussels

  • Summer Snapper $40.00
  • Grilled Faroe Island Salmon $32.00

    Heirloom tomato & watermelon gazpacho, cucumber, gochujang, herbs

  • Chicken Frites $32.00

    half chicken, pan sauce, herbs, flex fries

  • Mussels

  • Classic $28.50

    Garlic, herb, butter.

  • Thai $32.50

    Coconut curry, lemongrass, lime leaf, coriander, ginger.

  • Parma $32.50

    Parmigiano cream, lemon, scallion, crispy shallot.

  • Fra Diavolo $29.50

    San Marzano tomato, garlic, basil, chili flake.

  • Fries & Sides

  • Old Bay Fries $11.00

    Old bay seasoning, spicy aioli

  • Grilled Asparagus $16.00

    Parmesan, olive oil, lemon

  • Blistered Snow Peas $13.00
  • Parmesan Truffle Fries $13.00
  • Mac & Cheese $28.00

    Cavatappi, bechamel, breadcrumb

  • Flex Fries $9.00

    French fries

  • Sauteed Broccolini $13.00

    buttered breadcrumb, aleppo chili, lemon

  • Entrées

  • Lobster Roll $35.00

    Mayonnaise, celery, fries.

  • Char Grilled Burger $28.00

    Double patty, american cheese, sauteed onion, special sauce, fries. Add egg or bacon for additional charge.

  • Chicken Avocado Club $22.00

    Chicken, bacon, guacamole, pickled red onion, chipotle aioli, flex fries

  • Open-Faced Omelette $21.00

    Egg white, broccoli rabe, piquillo pepper, mushroom, onion, feta.

  • Filet 0 Flex $26.00

    Panko crusted hake, tartar sauce, cheddar, iceberg, potato bun, fries.

Flex Mussels Details

  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great cocktails
  • Great dessert
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Small plates
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists
  • Planning

  • Brunch reservations recommended
  • Lunch reservations recommended
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
  • Usually a wait
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • High chairs
  • Parking

  • Paid street parking
  • Parking
  • Pets

  • Dogs allowed outside

Flex Mussels Photos

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Flex Mussels Location

Flex Mussels

1431 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA

Flex Mussels Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 1115 user reviews.

donutshappy hourlobster rollmusclestruffle friesmussels and friesfra diavolothe metthai musselscrab guacamole

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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