Oysters have their groove back! And nowhere is the oyster as hot as in New York City. Oyster bars are popping up in every trendy neighborhood. Oyster supper clubs have more members than seats at the table. And, later this month, the ostreophiles of NYC are upping the average oyster shindig to include a whole week of oyster festivals, dinners, boat tours, and city-wide oyster specials at the second annual New York Oyster Week.
I headed north last month to see what all the fuss is about. NYC is a big place and I had a long list of oyster bars on the must-see list. I narrowed it down to nine great classics or soon-to-be classics:
BEST OYSTER BARS IN NEW YORK CITY
I went old-school and plotted each one on a huge map. AAA members can grab one for free.
There were distractions (Century 21) along the way and I didn't plan well for late openings and happy hours. Alas, Mermaid Inn, John Dory and Upstate will have to wait until the next trip. The good news is that I now have a doable, mostly walkable, schedule if you want to hit nine of the best oyster bars in NYC in two days. Also included: some killer happy hours in the schedule. Enjoy!
OYSTER TOUR OF NYC IN TWO DAYS
DAY ONE
Start with light lunch. Walk 1/2 mile (about 10 min.) to Pearl Street.
2:00p Pearl Street
Closes for lunch at 2:30p, so don't be late. Grab a half dozen oysters at the bar. Walk one quick block to Fish.
2:30p Fish
Enjoy the Red, White and Blue special (6 oysters and a beer for $8). Walk one mile (about 20 min.) to Upstate. It's a nice walk to the East Village through Washington Square. You can pick up a couple of t-shirts and trinkets on St. Mark's Place on 8th Ave. Upstate opens at 5p.
5:00p Upstate
Grab a craft beer. Walk 2 min. to The Mermaid Inn.
6:00p The Mermaid Inn
Happy Hour ends at 7p.
DAY TWO
11:30a Grand Central Oyster Bar
Walk one mile (about 20 min.) to John Dory.
1:30p John Dory
John Dory isn't far from Macy's or the Empire State Building if you want to squeeze in a little sightseeing. You can take the L train to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, or hop in a cab to Maison Premiere.
4:00p Maison Premiere
Happy hour starts at 4p and is super popular. You gotta get there when it opens to get a seat. With $1 oysters, you will be here awhile. It's less than 1/2 mile (about 8 min.) to Marlow & Sons. I would recommend a cab, especially if it's dark.
6:00p Marlow & Sons
Look for Dove Cove's on the menu, or ask the well-trained bartender for recommendations.
OYSTER BUCKET LIST
Last season, I posted my bucket list of the top 25 oyster experiences and was hoping to check off three during the trip:- Stop by Marlow & Sons restaurant in Brooklyn when Dodge Coves are in season.
- Enjoy a dozen oysters at Pearl Oyster Bar in Greenwich Village.
- Eat until I'm stuffed at Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant in NYC. Plan visit when Rhode Island Moonstones are on the menu.
Can I cross them off?
- Stopped by Marlow & Sons. Dodge Coves were not on the list. Can't wait to go back.
- Ordered a half dozen Malpeques at Pearl Oyster Bar. That was enough. Check.
- Ate a Moonstone oyster at Grand Central Oyster Bar. Heaven.
- While-away happy hour with absinthe and $1 oysters at Maison Premiere.
Visit Oyster Stew in the coming weeks for reviews of the restaurants on the tour as well as the oysters. I found a few oysters that have become lifelong friends, and a few I don't really want to run into again. Next week, I'll give you the what's what on New York Oyster Week.
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