It's been four months since a month with an "r," and consequently, September is definitely the time for some fresh oysters, don't you agree?
New York City is also just finishing up its 5th annual Oyster Week, which runs from September 16th until October 1st, and features half a dozen oyster-centric events and bivalve dishes and pairings from elite NYC restaurants.
Sounds amazing... if you can shell out (GET IT?!); unfortunately for most of us, Oyster Week events, which average at $100 and pricey entrees, aren't in the monthly budget if we want to eat multiple days this week.
Lucky for us though, the boroughs are crawling with Oyster Happy Hours that will satisfy all our raw bar cravings, often for only $1 a shuck.
We've rounded up some of the best deals, especially the ones that include drink specials– is there anything better than a dozen oysters and a glass of wine? Check them out:
The Wayland (700 East 9th Street)
The happy hour at this cozy Alphabet city spot runs Monday to Friday, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Head down to Alphabet City for $1 oysters, $5 oyster shooters, $4 select beers, $6 glasses of wine, and $7 cocktails.
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If you end up hanging out here for the long run, live music starts at 10 p.m. on select nights.
Mermaid Oyster Bar (79 Macdougal Street)
This place is also tight but they do take reservations, even for happy hour. Their deals are $1 east coast oysters, $5 beer, $7 wine, and $8 cocktails all day Mondays, Tuesday through Friday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., and on weekends from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
You also get a complimentary chocolate mousse dessert and a fortune teller fish after your meal.
Desnuda (221 South 1st Street - Brooklyn)
If This South American cevicheria is worth a visit for dinner– for ceviche, duh– but they boast a baller happy hour.
On Tuesdays through Saturday, and all night on Sunday, oysters and clams go for $1. On Tuesdays through Thursdays, you can slurp your shellfish with $5 Cusquena beer– a golden lager that was basically made to drink with oysters.
Atrium (15 Main Street - Brooklyn)
Make sure to sit at the bar at this trendy spot across the bridge for $1 oysters (again, only at the bar) and $8 cocktails. Happy hour's all week, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Upstate (95 1st Avenue)
Hungry and definitely need a drink?
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Grab 6 oysters and a beer for $12 at Upstate from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. all week.
Virgola (111 East 7th Street)
"Yo, how the f*ck am I supposed to get to any of these places before 7?" You 9 to 5-ers might be wondering.
Look no further. This cozy spot in the Village (they actually have multiple NYC locations) is open from 4 p.m. until 12 a.m. and serves select oysters for $1 each, aaaall the time.
They also have a sh*t ton of wine. Doesn't get much better than that.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]