If you’re a resident New Yorker or maybe just you’re looking to hit up the best oysters the next time you visit the borough of Manhattan then this article will guide you to find some of the best spots around.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere for a special treat or a mid-week dinner with colleagues, our list of recommendations will be able to accommodate everyone’s needs.
Cull & Pistol
75 Ninth Avenue, Market, New York, NY 10011, United States
646-568-1223
The Cull & Pistol Oyster Bar is located in the heart of Chelsea Market and is a go-to dining experience for both New Yorkers and tourists alike due to their Michelin acclaimed seafood.
If you’re looking for exceptional service and mouth-watering oysters, clams, or even just some crab rolls then you’ll want to hit up this family-owned restaurant for some seafood delight.
If you’re lucky enough to get in for happy hour then make sure to nab yourself a seat in the bar area as this is only where the deals apply. You’ll enjoy a selection of $1 oysters along with discounted drink specials from Monday to Friday between 4-6 pm.
Grand Central Oyster Bar, Inc.
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States
212-490-6650
grandcentralterminal.com/shop/oyster-bar-restaurant/
The Grand Central Oyster Bar is the oldest restaurant in Grand Central Station and is home to some of the freshest seafood in the city.
If you’re looking for a buzzing atmosphere along with some fresh grub then Grand Central Oyster Bar will be a go-to for you.
You’ll find 30 varieties of oysters that can be perfectly matched with any of the wines from their extensive wine list filled with over 400 wines.
Oyster happy hour at Grand Central is Monday through Wednesday from 4.30-7 pm and Saturday 1-5 pm and we’d make to make a reservation to avoid disappointment if you turn up on the day.
Crave Fishbar
945 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States / 428 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024, United States
646-895-9585 / 646-494-2750
If you happen to find yourself in Midtown Manhattan then you’ll need to quickly direct yourself towards Crave Fishbar, especially if it happens to be between the happy hour hours of 4-6 pm.
Not only is the Crave menu filled with beautiful seafood, but there’s also an assortment of oysters that are available from only $1 at happy hour so you’ll be utterly spoiled for choice.
Regular prices for the raw oyster bar start from around $3 so with these good prices you may want to branch out and treat yourself to one of the Crave cocktails.
We’d recommend making a reservation in advance as this place can get pretty busy, even on weeknights but the service is always friendly and efficient.
Craft
43 E 19th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
212-780-0880
Located less than half a mile from Union Square Park is Tom Colicchio’s Michelin star restaurant ‘Craft’ where you’ll find some of the most exquisite oysters in NYC, available in portions of ½ dozen or a dozen.
The oysters are perfectly plump and briny and are the ideal entrees for what is a simple yet outstandingly executed menu that will light up your taste buds.
The beautiful interior of Craft and the perfectly plated food are easily noticeable within the prices on the menu but if you’re looking for a great place to celebrate a big occasion then you’ll want to go to this award-winning restaurant next time you’re in the Flatiron District.
The restaurant does offer happy hour Monday through Friday in the evenings but doesn’t feature any of their mouth-watering oysters on the discounted menu as of yet.
Match 65 Brasserie
29 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065, United States
212-737-4400
If you’re looking for some delicious oysters after spending the day walking around Central Park then why don’t you walk one block up towards Match 65 Brasserie and treat yourself to some French Cuisine.
Rated one of the top 10 restaurants on the Upper East Side, Match 65 Brasserie will give you a taste of Parisian life regardless of the yellow cabs passing by.
Enjoy a selection of the fresh Blue Point oysters for your appetizer and then follow with some pan-roasted seafood for your mains which will leave you filled to the brim due to their generous portion sizes.
The Parisian Bistro offers the ultimate seafood delight but also has a variety of meat and meat-free choices to suit everyone in your party.
6. Per Se
4th Floor Time Warner Center, 10 Columbus Cir, New York, 10019, United States
212-823-9335
https://www.thomaskeller.com/perseny
Per Se is Thomas Keller’s three Michelin star restaurant that you’ll want to pay a special visit to if you’re looking for exceptional French cuisine in the big apple.
Situated in the Time Warner Center, or what is now known as the Deutsche Bank you’ll find this serene and intimate environment with surrounding views of Central Park.
Per Se is famed for its oysters and pearls dishes that delight diners with their flavorful and rich elements that demand raving reviews.
Unfortunately, the elegant restaurant doesn’t offer any sort of happy hour deals, but if you are looking for a fine dining experience with a vast tasting menu including some of the freshest oysters around then you’ll want to pay your $100 reservation deposit right away.
7. Grand Banks NYC
Pier 25 Hudson River Park, New York, NY 10013, United States
https://crewny.com/grand-banks
If you head to the West Village near the waterfront you’ll find Grand Banks, one of the most celebrated oyster bars located aboard the Sherman Zwicker fishing vessel - what could be more fitting?
Deemed as one of the coolest oyster bars in America by Coastal Living, Grand Banks offers the experience of enjoying a golden hour in Manhattan whilst slurping some wild-caught east and west coast oysters served in half a dozen or a full dozen.
We’d recommend The Grand Banks oysters which is the complete pan-American oyster experience with ramp and Champagne mignonettes, cocktail sauce, and lemon with an ice-cold glass of rose.
Whether it’s oysters or cocktails you want to enjoy aboard the wooden ship in Tribeca, making a reservation comes recommended as it’s a popular setting for both visitors to the city and residents.
8. The Clam
420 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014, United States
212-242-7420
The Clam is one of the West Village’s most celebrated restaurants and despite being named after a completely different mollusk, showcases some of the best oysters on the Eastern seaboard.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with their seasonal selection of seafood, but if it’s oysters you’re after you’ll need to try the east and west coast selection paired with the chili-lime mignonette, perfect as an entree or for a light lunch in the city.
The Clam’s happy hour menu is one of the best in New York but unfortunately offers clams instead of oysters, however, if you’re looking for some great prices on cocktails and drinks then the 2 for 1 offer they have is a rare find in such a popular location to dine in the West Village.
9. The Mermaid Inn
UPPER WEST SIDE, 570 Amsterdam Ave, NY, NY 10024, United States
212-799-7400
You’ll find two locations of The Mermaid Inn in the city, one being in the East Village and one on the Upper West Side, no matter which one you go to, you’ll get to enjoy some delicious oysters from both coasts.
Happy hour runs from 4.30 to 6.30 pm at The Mermaid Inn and you’ll be delighted with the chef’s choice of oyster starting from prices of only $1.
Enjoy some tasty oysters served on ice alongside a buttered lobster roll and pair with a fresh Aperol spritz and you’ve got yourself one hell of an evening.
The regular menu also boasts a great selection of east and west-coast oysters starting from around $3 each, so whether you’re after something with a slight brine or something more elegant than the staff at the Mermaid Inn will be able to help you pick out the best choice.
10. The Ten Bells
247 Broome St, New York, NY 10002, United States
212-228-4450
If you’re looking for a sultry yet casual setting to take a fellow oyster lover on a date then The Ten Bells in Downtown will be one to chuck on your list.
The dark interior looks like something out of a European tavern but don’t be fooled as they serve up some tasty tapas and have a renowned happy hour featuring some good-looking oysters.
You’ll have a choice of Barnstaple St. Simon and Matunuck oysters starting from only $2.5 each on the regular menu and a bargain price of $1 each on the happy hour menu.
If you’re also looking to tuck into other seafood offerings then we recommend the mojama and the crab meat and avocado off the tapas menu, perfect for sharing amongst friends.
