Boston Oysters are Shucking Good
By Liz Luongo
Graphic by Tess Adams
Are you an oyster-lover looking to find the best shellfish in Boston? Well, lucky for you, we have located the best locations that will not disappoint.
Union Oyster House should definitely be on the top of your list. They are not only known as the oldest restaurant in Boston, but this historic landmark has a unique semi-circular oyster bar, where the staff shuck oysters right in front of you. They also offer a variety of ways to enjoy your oyster: grilled, fried, or even raw on the half shell. Looking to try new things? Despite the restaurant's name, this menu also has New England favorites such as “Broiled Boston Scrod'' and “Ye Olde Seafood Platter”.
Next up is Viale Cambridge. With some of the best “bang-for-your buck” oysters, Viale offers $1oysters weekdays from 5-7pm. This market price is truly unmatched especially if you love oysters, but don’t love the price. Their menu also includes amazing Italian cuisine such as “Viale meatballs”, “Bucatini Carbonara”, and even “House-made Limoncello.”
Another fan favorite is Neptune Oyster. This restaurant is jam packed, and for good reason. The speckled blue and white dining room with an abundance of mirrors resembles the cozyness of New England. This North End pick has a variety of oysters including Wellfleets, Cotuits, and Island Creeks as well as assortments from the West Coast. It's worth visiting for their famous oysters as well as their cornmeal johnny cake topped with smoked bluefish and sturgeon caviar. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance!
Is low-key more your thing? Check out Hourly Oyster House. Located in the heart of HarvardSquare this high quality seafood mixed with a cozy bistro atmosphere has quickly gained praise since its 2015 opening. Oyster House is even inside a brownstone in Back Bay and is a great place for a fix of oysters and other impressive seafood. The extensive raw bar has oysters ranging from the West and East coast as well as their Maine lobster. Are you willing to spend money on exquisite shellfish? For a whopping $100 (ranging to $325), Oyster House offers seafood towers consisting of oysters, shrimp, lobster and blue crab salad. Their Wine menu now includes complimentary oyster pairings such as txakolina and sparkling brut rosé.
My personal favorite for the best oysters are at Waypoint. This seafood restaurant located in Harvard Square has some great raw bar selections including oysters, peel & eat shrimp, wellfleet clams as well as Crudos. Waypoint’s oysters are definitely on the smaller side and a little less briney than other selections. Waypoint’s lively yet dimly-lit atmosphere compliments the impeccable and unique menu. If oysters are not your thing, the chef encompasses some italian inspired seafood dishes such as “Lobster Cacio E Pepe” and “Chopped Clam Pizza.”With so many great dishes, it is impossible to leave disappointed.