National Oyster Day is August 5th, and we are more than ready to celebrate. Oysters on the half-shell are a classic dish to enjoy for lunch, a happy hour or dinner. Whether it’s served with lemon, cocktail sauce or a mignonette, this seafood delicacy is always a crowd pleaser. Here is a list of some of our preferred places to celebrate National Oyster Day and slurp down these tasty treats.
See also: Roll With The Ten Best Lobster Rolls In NYC
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Various Locations / Website
This chic Greek restaurant with locations in Midtown, on Madison and a newly opened spot in Rockefeller Center, has tons of oyster and raw bar options to indulge in. They have east coast oysters, west coast oysters and their raw sampler royale with oyster, shrimp and lobster for the ultimate seafood experience. The new Rockefeller location has some of the most expansive outdoor dining areas on Sixth avenue, making it the perfect location to enjoy some oysters.
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80 Spring St. / 212.965.1414 / Website
Located in the heart of Soho, this iconic French restaurant has been a staple to New Yorkers for decades. Their extensive raw bar menu features oysters from the east coast, from places like Wellfleet and Martha’s Vineyard, and the west coast, from places like Hama Hama and Pearl Point. The establishment is also known for its baked goods and other french dishes like escargot and onion soup gratinée.
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420 Hudson St. / 212.242.7420 / Website
With both classic and contemporary presentations, seafood is the name of the game at this West Village neighborhood favorite. With both 2-for-1 cocktails and $2 oysters available during happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 3PM to 5PM, The Clam always draws in a crowd.
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50 Commerce St. / Website
Newly opened on a quiet street in the West Village is the Commerce Inn brought to you by the owners of Via Carota and Buvette. The warm environment serves shaker-inspired foods and oysters can be ordered raw, pickled or fried and can be ordered alongside other menu items like the delicious spoonbread.
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114 Nassau Ave. / 718.313.1913 / Website
Located in Greenpoint, this fish market and restaurant serves up some of the freshest seafood in New York. Not only do they have east and west-coast oysters on the half-shell, but also Crudo, sea scallops and ceviche as well.
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77 Delancey St. 646.580.5239 / Website
This Lower East side hotspot is known for its fresh oyster selection as well as its other seafood dishes like the lobster roll and mussels. Stop by on weekdays from 4-6 pm and enjoy their happy hour with $1 oysters and $10 cocktails.
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172 Waverly Pl. / Website
Set in the West Village, this restaurant is known for its raw bar and oyster selection. Choose from the different types of oysters and mix it up with their king crab legs or littleneck clams as well for the ultimate raw seafood experience.
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142 Mercer St. / 212.431.7676 / Website
This Soho staple is a great spot to enjoy oysters in a luxe ambiance while people watching. The large raw bar menu includes oysters from a selection of locations as well as their shellfish plateaux which can include a combination of oysters, clams, lobster, king crab and tuna tartare to name a few.
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298 Bedford Ave. / 347.889.5710 / Website
This New Orleans-style restaurant in Williamsburg has a designated oyster menu with a selection from places like Mystic, Connecticut; Pemaquid, Maine and Deer Creek, Washington. Pair them with some of their craft cocktails or other dishes like the lobster roll or braised beef cheek.
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630 9th Ave. / 212.333.2323 / Website
For nearly two decades, Marseille has been bringing delicious French food to Broadway and Hell's Kitchen. Its oyster happy hour from 3:30PM-5:30PM is a great deal at only $1.50 an oyster. Pair your oysters with the $9 frosé for the perfect evening.
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Various Locations / Website
With Locations in Chelsea, the Upper West Side and Greenwich Village, this restaurant is known for its seafood selection and oysters. Their everyday happy hour from 4:30-6:30 pm has oysters for $1.25 as well as other items like fish tacos and fried calamari.
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246 Spring Street / 212.784.1350 / Website
This Michelin-starred restaurant's authentic seafood is Soho legend and is the obvious choice if you are looking to celebrate in style this National Oyster Day. To elevate the classic, look no further for oysters like you've never seen before.
No matter where in NYC you reside, these restaurants and bars ensure that your National Oyster Day 2022 will be one to remember. Our recommendation? Hop around town, have a shucking great time and let us know which resto earns your top spot for the very best oysters in NYC.
Photography by: Anima Visual/Unsplash
