5 Oyster Bars in Boston Worth Shucking Out
A few weeks ago, I went to Boston for the first time with my best friend, Han. I've known her since 7th grade but we've never really traveled anywhere together, so I was excited to explore a new city with her for a weekend and to celebrate 20 years of friendship. We partnered up with Hampton by Hilton to be part of their Ultimate Seekender team. Seekenders are spontaneous creatures who seize the weekend to seek out awesome adventures and new experiences. In this case, we were all about finding the best oysters in town! I recently got into them and after researching places, I discovered Food & Wine's lists of best oyster bars in America, and lo and behold, three were located in Boston. Jackpot! Or should I say, shuckpot! Haha! There will be a plethora of oyster puns in this post.
I flew into Boston from New Orleans while Han flew in from Los Angeles. There were some weather issues so our flights got super delayed and when we finally checked into our sweet hotel at Hampton by Hilton, we were beat! It was my first time at a Hampton hotel and I was impressed. The building was pretty sleek and modern and the rooms were comfy. I'm into it.
We got up early the next day and embarked on our oyster adventure. We slurped down some of the sweetest and briniest oysters we've ever had. It's September so it's oyster season again, that's if you truly follow the 'R' rule. But let's be real, it's oyster season all year round! Let's begin with our favorite spot, shall we?
Neptune Oyster Bar
Oh, Neptune Oyster Bar, I'm such a shucker for you. I loved their ambience. It's a small place so you get to rub elbows with other oyster lovers. They have a good selection of east coast and west coast. I've realized that I'm more of a west coast oyster lover because they're a little more buttery and sweet. But I still enjoy the brininess of the east coast ones. Their sweet shrimp and crab claws were really fresh and delicious, too!
63 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113 • (617) 742-3474
B&G Oysters
B&G Oysters is another cute spot in the South End which is close by to Hampton by Hilton. We made reservations here because we didn't want to wait an hour like we did at Neptune. We got half a dozen of Miraday Bay oysters from Washington and half a dozen New England oysters. Both were really good actually. With four dozens down and a few glasses of wine in our system, we were chanting Shucka khan, Shucka khan, Shucka khan! Ha!
550 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116 • (617) 423-0550
Island Creek Oyster Bar
Shuck the front door! Island Creek Oyster Bar is huge compared to the other spots. It also feels a little fancier. The oysters were super fresh and their clam chowder was delicious. You know what's also just as yummy, their homemade honey butter. So good!
500 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 • (617) 532-5300
Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar
Oysters for brunch? Why the shuck not?! Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar is also located in the South End. They have a relaxed and chill vibe. The oysters were good and fresh. So, the way I like to eat my oysters is squeeze a couple drops of lemon juice. Wiggle the oyster a bit with a fork then slurp it down. I find mignonettes and Tobasco overpower the flavor of the oyster. I want to taste the ocean, knowhatimean? And this place has tacos which I'm always down for.
412 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 • (617) 917-5626
Union Oyster House
Oh shucks, this might be our least favorite oyster spot. But the Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in Boston, so it's worth shucking out. It's a couple blocks from Neptune Oyster Bar. They have a cute, diner vibe going on. They also shuck the oysters in front of you which is kinda fun to watch. However, the oysters just didn't have much flavor to them or liquor in them. You know I am crazy about my oyster juice. We hollered for half a dozen of Cotuit oysters, engaged in some light conversations with some locals and then danced out of there. Oh yeah, we have an oyster dance.
41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108 • (617) 227-2750
And there you have it! Our little oyster tour in one of the oldest cities in United States. Stay tuned for more fleeting moments and a few other places we visited in Boston. Sweethanks to Hampton by Hilton for making our oyster dreams come true! And now, you get a chance to go on an Ultimate Seekender trip!
Enter the Ultimate Seekender Sweepstakes! Through Oct. 18, Hampton by Hilton is inviting participants to post their best Seekender-inspired picture on Instagram or Twitter using the #WeGoTogether and #SweepstakesEntry hashtags. One lucky winner will be selected for a weekend trip to a Hampton by Hilton hotel destination on Oct. 27. The grand prize winner will be awarded roundtrip airfare plus up to three guests, a complimentary stay at a Hampton by Hilton location of your choice, and spending money for food, activities, transportation, etc.
Visit www.HamptonSeekender.com for more info.