On Sunday, we will be paying homage to our favorite briny bivalve in haute style. Whether you prefer them freshly plucked from the ocean or in the form of a crispy spiced up slider, from Back Bay to the Seaport District and beyond, here’s a look at five of the best spots in Boston to celebrate National Oyster Day.
SELECT Oyster Bar
Photo Credit: SELECT Oyster Bar
What better way to celebrate National Oyster Day than at a cozy restaurant that caters to the bivalve in its natural form. Order the massive Hemingway platter and indulge in a seafood extravaganza of 24 oysters on the half shell along with shrimp cocktail, blue crab salad, Maine lobster, salmon crudo, yellowfin tuna tartare and dayboat scallop ceviche. If you are looking for a not-so-enormous “select”ion, try the Gloucester tower, an equally impressive albeit smaller sibling to Hemingway designed for a self-indulgent treat or for sharing with one of your closest friends.
50 Gloucester Street, Boston, MA 02115; Website
Ocean Prime
Photo Credit: Ocean Prime
One of our favorite haute spots, Ocean Prime is like that best friend that is always there for you. This Seaport favorite comes through for us in a clinch when we are craving that delicious combination of sweet and briny. This National Oyster Day holiday, they will be offering their signature custom “smoking” shellfish tower along with samplings by the platter of however many you choose. Whether it’s a half dozen or full 12, we recommend enjoying them on their newly opened patio. Alfresco dining doesn’t get much better than Ocean Prime.
140 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210; Website
Legal Harborside
Photo Credit: Legal Harborside
Over at the massive 20,000 square foot flagship restaurant of Legal Sea Foods, Legal Harborside is an equal standout for its impressive oyster selection. Request a table in the first floor dining room, which offers an impressive front row view of Boston Harbor. We recommend settling in and preparing for a delivery of the massive XL WiAnno deep cups. If you love enormous oysters, this is the best place in Boston to indulge your addiction. These sweet yet briny beauties that come in jumbo form are one of Boston’s best kept secrets, so consider yourself now in the know.
270 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210; Website
Island Creek Oyster Bar
Photo Credit: Island Creek Oyster Bar
Over in Kenmore Square, Island Creek Bar likes to mix things up a bit. Sure, you can find some fresh bivalves from all over Massachusetts on the half shell, but we come to Island Creek Oyster Bar for their oyster sliders, a creative take on this seafood favorite. A crispy golden oyster arrives on a super soft brioche roll spiced up with chili lime aioli. Even their beef burgers have the option of being topped with fried oysters (and horseradish mayo) – need we say more?
500 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; Website
Row 34
Photo Credit: Row 34
From Wellfleet to New Brunswick, Row 34 in the Fort Point neighborhood knows how to deliver fresh oysters. When you feel like sharing (or not), we recommend coming here for a quick bivalve fix. Belly up ot the bar and order up the crisped up version served with lettuce cups and pickled vegetables or the simply prepared fresh versions that come to the restaurant from Cape Cod and beyond (think Duxbury, Plymouth, Eastham, Damariscotta River in Maine). Row 34 also serves up fried oyster platters in lunch and dinner portions for the ultimate indulgence. If you want to keep the celebration going, be sure to check out their online offerings shipped direct to you (caviar not included). After all, National Oyster Day is all about celebrating.
383 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210; Website
