Oysters are the most essential of summer foods. We really mean that. The most essential.
Oysters are an aphrodisiac. They contain dopamine, which increases sex drive and testosterone, commonly known as the desire hormone. And not just sex desire. All desire. Also, what's the first natural element that comes to mind when you think of summer? The ocean, right? We knew it.
And sure, clams, shrimp, and lobster all connect you to the ocean. But there's no other food that makes you feel as alive as oysters.
Plus, their delicious, refreshing, and you never have that horrible, I'm-too-full, I-ate-so-much-I-hate-myself feeling after slurping oysters.
Basically, they're amazing, delicious, refreshing, and practically synonymous with summertime.
Luckily for us, New York City's oyster game is strong. There are dozens of restaurants from which you can acquire the best oysters in America. And we're here to help you decide which one to pick.
Read on to discover where to go for the most fresh oyster joints in NYC.
1. Fish (280 Bleecker Street)
wikster Life keeps moving one #oyster at the time bring the #ocean close , bring the oysters closer:) #fishNYC
This is not the spot to go if you want to get dressed up and feel fancy. This is the spot to go if you're serious about eating as many oysters as possible, while shelling out as little cash as possible.
On any day at any hour you can trade $8 fish for half-a-dozen oysters and a glass of wine or a PBR. Find a better deal in the city, we dare you.
2. Brooklyn Oyster Party (various locations)
bkoysterparty Happy 3rd. We're all smiles over here ripping oysters @kinderhookfarm. From sea to farm. #oysters #hudsonvalley #rawbar #privateparties #upstate #downstate #bkoysterparty #getsome
Maybe you've heard of Smorgasburg. Maybe you've heard of Brooklyn Flea.
It's possible you've even visited both of these incredible food festivals, and gotten your hands on some oysters from Brooklyn Oyster Party.
If there's a better way to spend a weekend afternoon than sitting at the shore of the East River, sipping Smorgasbeer and swallowing Brooklyn Oyster Party's pristine, cold water oysters, we haven't heard about it.
And we know about a lot of things, so...
3. Mermaid Inn (various NYC locations)
aboynamedtsui Barcat Oysters from Chesapeake, Virginia #oyster #oysters #rawoyster #rawoysters #chesapeake #chesapeakeoyster #chesapeakeoysters #chesapeakebay #barcat #barcatoysters #barcatoyster #chesapeakeva #chesapeakevirginia #cocktailsauce #rawbar #oysterbar #clam #clams #vinegar #shallotvinegar #shallot #shallots #shellfish #seafood #food #foodporn #mermaidbar #mermaidinn #mermaidinnoysterbar #mermaidinnnyc
When it comes to going hard in the name of oysters, we're pretty sure the Mermaid Inn has everyone else beat.
They've got an Oysterpedia app, just in case you want to peruse the flavor, region, and method of cultivation of their oysters before you head downtown for the meal of your life.
They also have a variety of oysters from both coasts, and dollar oysters from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. which is the opportunity of a lifetime.
They've got three locations in the East Village, Greenwich Village, and the UWS. Head here for your next date ASAP.
4. Cull & Pistol (75 9th Avenue)
The oysters at Cull & Pistol are so fresh, any good veterinarian could have them swimming again in minutes. Which may not sound like the most appetizing way of describing these oysters, but trust us. They're delicious.
This relaxing Meatpacking oasis has a seaside feel, a raw bar, and a takeaway outlet. They also have oyster shooters, and a variety of wine, craft beers, and expertly mixed cocktails.
The best part? You get to watch their chefs shuck the oysters, which is pretty fascinating and satisfying, and makes consuming these oysters even more delicious.
5. Aquagrill (210 Spring Street)
aquagrillnyc A #humpday treat to get you through the week: Wellfleet, La St. Simon, Jenny's Petite, Willapa Bay, Cotuit, Kumamoto Washington. #aquagrillnyc #oysters. Ps we're serving #brunch 12-3:45 on Friday July 3rd instead of lunch, just the first of many ways we're celebrating #independenceday 🎉🇺🇸
If you love making decisions, or are very specific about the oyster you find the most refreshing and delicious for your needs, Aquagrill is your next dinner locale.
Their oysters are marvelous and their variety of oysters is dizzying. They'll perplex you from the sheer number of oyster types to choose from.
They're not just focused on appetizing oysters, but rich, enticing wine that will leave your brain swimming... like... an oyster.
6. Upstate (95 1st Avenue)
mimi_zhuzhu Because I couldn't decided which I wanted more, so we went for both. #fatty #oysters #scallops #risotto #upstateNYC #ramen #spicymisoramen #tanmen #minca
This hole-in-the-wall oyster joint is tiny, and they don't take reservations. Do not roll up to Upstate squad deep, it will not go well.
But their selection? That will undoubtedly go well for you.
They boast over 20 varieties of oysters, and a killer happy hour deal. For $12, you can slurp down a half-dozen oysters and a pint of craft beer.
Perhaps the best part of dining in this atmosphere is the free whiskey cake Upstate serves with every meal. Booyah.
7. Sel Rrose (1 Delancey Street)
Oh, were you hoping to get drunk on fancy, creative cocktails while gorging yourself on oysters? Then Sel Rrose is your move.
This classy, pretty, delicious establishment combines amazing food with an equally amazing, decidedly Parisian atmosphere.
They're prices are shockingly reasonable, and they offer a variety of different oysters complete with a listing of where they're farmed from.
With original cocktails, champagne, and an absolutely astounding oyster bar, you can't top Sel Rrose on food and drinks, and you especially can't top them on vibe.
8. River Dock Cafe (1 Richmond Terrace - Staten Island)
riverdockcafe TGIF #RiverDockCafe #ThatView #StatenIsland #Brews #Desserts #Seafood #TGIF #HappyHour
If you're looking to make a day out of slurping oysters, or you live in Staten Island, the new, gorgeous, seaside River Dock Cafe is where it's at.
Situated on the East River where the views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline sit nestled under a glorious, golden coat at sunset, this spot couldn't be more gorgeous.
For $13, you can munch on a delicious, refreshing half-dozen of blue point oysters. For $23, satiate yourself with a dozen oysters. You will not regret it.
Check out 5 Guilt-Free Summertime Cocktails to Keep Your Beach Bod on Point.
[Feature Image Courtesy: Facebook]