Celebrate National Oyster Day in NYC with our hand‑picked guide to where to go, what to taste, and how to turn this shellfish holiday into a city ritual.

This article was first published in July 2024 and fully updated in July 2025 for National Oyster Day in NYC.

Have you ever tasted an oyster so fresh it stopped time for a moment—cold, briny, whispering of salt air and open water? In New York City, National Oyster Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is a quiet ritual. A celebration of the sea, of history, of the delicate dance between simplicity and indulgence. 

Observed every year on August 5th, the day honors the oyster’s deep roots in culinary culture—especially here, where oysters once blanketed New York Harbor and shaped the city’s earliest dining traditions.

From the raw bar loyalists to the oyster-curious, this day invites everyone to taste something elemental. Something that connects us to the city’s maritime past and its ever-evolving food scene.

In this guide, we will slip beneath the surface of oyster culture in NYC—from legacy and lore to where you can still slurp a half-shell worth remembering. The question is not whether to celebrate—it is where to begin.

National Oyster Day in NYC: Looking for this year’s top picks?

The Oyster, Revisited

Before we wade into the where and how of National Oyster Day, it is worth pausing for the why. Why this particular bivalve? Why this enduring devotion?

Oysters are more than delicacies. They are living filters—natural purifiers that sustain the health of our waterways, filtering up to 50 gallons of water per day. Their role in marine ecosystems is foundational, but in New York, oysters are cultural as much as they are ecological. They shaped our shoreline, built our dining scene, and even paved our streets—crushed shells once lined parts of lower Manhattan.

Taste-wise, oysters are geography made edible. Each one tells the story of where it came from: Blue Points from the East Coast are briny and bold; Wellfleets are clean and mineral-driven; Beausoleils and Malpeques lean delicate and crisp. Kumamotos, petite and buttery, bring a whisper of sweetness with every slurp.

Some purists insist on eating them plain—a direct line to the sea. Others garnish boldly. There’s no one way to eat an oyster, only the way that feels most like you.

A Note from the Editor

For me, oysters are a small moment of joy—cool, clean, and endlessly customizable. I love to dress them: a splash of lemon, a spoonful of mignonette, a dot of hot sauce, and a whisper of horseradish. It is a medley that feels celebratory without overpowering the thing itself. Every slurp is a soft reminder that ritual can be delicious.

National Oyster Day: A History in the Half-Shell

Before they were served on crushed ice alongside Champagne, oysters were the city’s original street food. In 19th-century New York, oysters were everywhere—plentiful, cheap, and deeply woven into the fabric of working-class life. Saloons, oyster cellars, and waterfront stands sold them by the bucket or the penny, and they were eaten raw, fried, baked, or stewed in broths thick with cream and spice.

But the boom gave way to collapse. By the early 20th century, overharvesting, pollution, and unchecked urban expansion decimated New York’s oyster beds. What was once an abundant, democratic delicacy nearly disappeared from the harbor altogether.

Today, the oyster’s return is as much a story of ecology as it is of taste. Thanks to sustainable aquaculture and restoration projects like the Billion Oyster Project, oysters have reclaimed their place in the city’s culinary and environmental story. National Oyster Day—celebrated every year on August 5th—honors not just the briny joy of the half-shell, but also the city’s evolving relationship with the water that surrounds it.

In New York, the celebration is quiet but rich: a half-dozen on a shaded patio, a grilled plate shared at the bar, a tasting flight that traces the Atlantic coast in flavor alone. To eat oysters here is to take part in something older than the skyline—something that still tastes, if only briefly, like the sea.

The Oyster King of New York

In the mid-1800s, before oysters were luxury fare, Thomas Downing ran one of the most celebrated oyster houses in the city. A free Black man born to formerly enslaved parents, Downing built his Wall Street restaurant into a sensation—drawing presidents, politicians, and dignitaries with his refined take on oyster dining.

But Downing’s impact went beyond the half-shell. He was also an abolitionist, using his wealth and influence to help fund anti-slavery work and aid the Underground Railroad. His story is a reminder that oyster culture in New York wasn’t just about food—it was about freedom, resilience, and vision.

Today, his legacy is honored not only in local lore but also through dishes like the Thomas Downing Oysters served at Sweet Catch BK—chargrilled, buttery, and bold, just like the man himself.

Ways to Celebrate National Oyster Day in NYC

In New York, celebration rarely requires fanfare. A chilled glass, a half-dozen oysters, and a well-worn table with a view—sometimes that is all it takes. National Oyster Day in NYC is less about spectacle and more about presence: where you are, who you are with, and what is on the plate in front of you.

Whether you are drawn to raw oysters served over ice or grilled varieties kissed by flame, the city offers no shortage of places to toast the half-shell. From timeless institutions to neighborhood newcomers, we have gathered a curated list of oyster bars across Brooklyn and Manhattan where flavor, setting, and ritual align.

Let’s begin in Brooklyn, where the oyster feels right at home.

Top Oyster Bars in Brooklyn

01. Maison Premiere

📍Location: 298 Bedford Avenue — Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Stepping into Maison Premiere does not feel like stepping into a restaurant. It feels like crossing into another time. The absinthe fountain drips slowly behind the marble bar. Candlelight flickers against pressed tin ceilings. And oysters—up to thirty varieties on any given day—are laid out like jewelry over crushed ice.

This is not a place you rush through. The staff moves with quiet confidence, gently guiding you through East and West Coast selections, their notes on salinity and texture delivered like wine pairings. One oyster might taste like a wind-whipped bay; another, like brine smoothed by cream. Every visit is a new conversation between place and palate.

If you are in Williamsburg on National Oyster Day, come here early. Order a martini or something absinthe-kissed. Let the first oyster arrive on its own, unadorned. This is the city’s most romantic ode to the half-shell—and on August 5th, it hums with reverence.

Bar Hours

Monday through Friday Noon – 1 AM
Saturday and Sunday 11 AM – 1 AM

Oysters

• Monday through Thursday: Noon – 11:30 PM
• Friday: Noon – 12:30 AM
• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM

FULL MENU SERVED UNTIL 10:30 PM EVERY DAY | OYSTER HAPPY HOUR IS NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED 

02. Jaffa Cocktail & Raw Bar

📍Location: 97 Wythe Avenue — Williamsburg, Brooklyn [inside The Hoxton] | Located on the Second Floor. Entrance on 9th Street

Set within the stylish Hoxton Hotel, Jaffa brings the sun-soaked vibrance of the Mediterranean to the heart of Williamsburg. The space feels both playful and polished—woven textures, warm wood, flickers of brass. It’s a coastal mood without the clichés.

The oysters here are anything but traditional. You might find them served raw with passion fruit mignonette and shug, or wood-fired with Urfa chile butter—a smoky, peppery heat that lingers in the best way. Each preparation feels intentional, offering a bold interpretation of the half-shell ritual.

And then there are the cocktails—refreshing, herbaceous, and artfully paired with the briny brightness of the seafood menu. Whether you are seated indoors among the lush greenery or outside in the courtyard, the vibe is unmistakably summer.

For National Oyster Day in NYC, Jaffa offers a celebration that is vibrant, flavorful, and just a touch sun-drunk.

Hours

• Thursday & Sunday 4 PM – 11 PM
• Friday & Saturday 4 PM – Midnight

Please note: The raw bar menu is seasonal and will pause from January through March, returning in spring with a fresh rotation.

03. Concord Hill

📍Location: 374 Graham Avenue — Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Concord Hill is not flashy—and that is exactly the point. This understated Williamsburg spot, helmed by Chef/Owner Guy Kairi, favors detail over spectacle, letting ingredients lead the conversation.

On National Oyster Day in NYC, the raw bar is a quiet triumph. You might find plump Malpeques from Prince Edward Island, their brininess balanced with just the right chill and a whisper of salinity. The experience is enhanced by Concord Hill’s signature house infusion shot—an unexpected companion that lifts the oyster’s natural flavor without overtaking it.

There is something intimate about slurping oysters at the marble bar here. It could be the way the staff seems to know when to offer a pairing, or how the East Coast selections are chosen with such thoughtful restraint. Either way, this is a place where the half-shell feels genuinely cared for.

Hours

• Tuesday – Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Thursday – Friday: Noon – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🍸Happy Hour: Tuesday through Friday 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

04. Grand Army Bar

📍Location: 336 State Street [Corner of State + Hoyt] — Boerum Hill, Brooklyn

At first glance, Grand Army feels like a neighborhood cocktail bar—and a very good one. But linger a little longer and you will find that oysters here are not just an afterthought—they are a quiet centerpiece.

The raw bar menu leans focused, not fussy. Long Island oysters, often from the cold, clean waters of Peconic Bay, are delivered with an attention to detail that matches the drinks. On any given night, you might slurp a Blue Point with its briny punch, or a Montauk Pearl, softer and more mineral-driven, like the sea on a still day.

Pair them with one of Grand Army’s seasonal cocktails—sharp, herbaceous, or gently spiced—and settle into the glow of low lighting and clinking glassware. It’s not about abundance here. It is about the right oyster, served at the right time.

Hours

• Monday: 5 PM – 11 PM
• Tuesday – Thursday 5 PM – Midnight
• Friday: 4 PM – 1 AM
• Saturday: 2 PM – 1 AM
• Sunday: 2 PM – 10 PM

Happy Hour

• Monday – Thursday: 5 PM – 7 PM
• Friday 4 PM – 6 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: 2 PM – 4 PM

Happy Hour Menu

05. Pilot Oysters with a View, Afloat on Histor

📍Location: 225 West Street — Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn

Moored on the Sherman Zwicker, a 1924 wooden schooner turned seasonal restaurant, Pilot is where maritime nostalgia meets breezy Brooklyn romance. The boat rocks gently beneath you, the harbor sparkles out ahead, and the oysters arrive—chilled, briny, impeccably shucked.

This is not just a meal. It is a mood.

Chef Kerry Heffernan’s menu reflects the tides—leaning fresh, light, and local. The oysters are the centerpiece: East Coast varietals that taste like memory and salt. Pair them with a glass of something crisp and citrus-forward, and linger as long as the sun does.

On National Oyster Day in NYC, it is hard to imagine a more transportive escape—still in the city, but barely.

Best Oyster Bars in Manhattan

01. Upstate Craft Beer & Oysters

📍Location: 95 First Avenue [Corner of Sixth Street] — East Village, Manhattan

If you are seeking a National Oyster Day celebration that feels low-key but high-quality, Upstate delivers with quiet confidence. Tucked into a narrow, unassuming space in the East Village, this beloved neighborhood spot pairs ultra-fresh oysters with a rotating selection of craft beers—no fanfare necessary.

Their approach is refreshingly simple: serve what’s seasonal, source it sustainably, and let the flavors speak for themselves. The oyster menu changes daily, showcasing the finest offerings from both the East and West Coasts. Whether you’re a seasoned slurper or a curious first-timer, the staff is warm, knowledgeable, and happy to guide your experience.

Expect a bustling room, chalkboard menus, and the kind of cozy atmosphere that makes you stay longer than planned. It’s not flashy, but it’s memorable—like all the best New York things.

Hours

• Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
• Happy Hour: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, seven days a week

Happy Hour

🍸Happy Hour: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM — Seven days a week

02. Grand Central Oyster Bar

📍Location: 89 East 42nd Street — Midtown East, Manhattan

For an iconic New York oyster experience, few destinations rival the timeless charm of the Grand Central Oyster Bar. Tucked beneath the vaulted Guastavino-tiled ceilings of Grand Central Terminal, this legendary institution has been delighting seafood lovers since 1913.

The raw bar is the undisputed centerpiece—boasting a dazzling daily selection of 30+ oyster varieties from both coasts and beyond. East or West, briny or sweet, petite or plump—whatever your preference, the seasoned staff will help you navigate the vast offerings to find your ideal match.

But the experience does not end at oysters. The extensive seafood menu spans everything from lobster rolls to the beloved oyster pan roast, while an award-winning wine list [featuring over 80 wines by the glass] ensures the perfect pairing for every bite.

Hours

• Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM, Last seating at 9:30 PM

Closed Saturday & Sunday

03. Cull & Pistol Oyster Bar

📍Location: Chelsea Market Alley, 75 9th Avenue — Chelsea, Manhattan

Tucked inside Chelsea Market’s bustling arcade, Cull & Pistol manages the rare feat of feeling both lively and intimate. A longtime favorite among discerning seafood lovers, this oyster bar is celebrated for its commitment to pristine sourcing, inventive raw bar preparations, and consistently high-quality service.

At the heart of Cull & Pistol’s appeal is its raw bar—an ever-changing lineup of East and West Coast oysters, often featuring rarities not easily found elsewhere. Each is shucked to order and presented with thoughtful garnishes that enhance rather than overwhelm. You might discover sweet Kumamotos from Washington one day, and bold Naked Cowboys from Long Island the next.

The setting blends industrial charm with a warm welcome—exposed brick, a glowing counter, and a front-row view of the skilled shuckers at work. Pair your oysters with a glass of dry white wine or a crisp cocktail, and you have a quintessential NYC oyster experience.

It is a go-to for regulars and a must-stop for anyone celebrating National Oyster Day in NYC with style and substance.

Hours

• Open Daily 11 AM – 9 PM
• Lunch & Dinner with half-priced Oyster

Happy Hour

Monday through Friday 4 PM – 6 PM

04. Mermaid Oyster Bar Times Square

📍Location: 127 West 43rd Street — Midtown West, Manhattan

Yes, even in Times Square—where few expect nuance or charm—The Mermaid Oyster Bar delivers. Part of the beloved Mermaid family [with outposts in Greenwich Village and Chelsea], the Times Square location brings the same warm hospitality, nautical flair, and impeccably fresh seafood that made the original a downtown favorite.

Step inside and you will find a casual, coastal-inspired setting that’s buzzy without being chaotic. The oyster selection is where it shines—featuring both East and West Coast varieties, each one selected for freshness and flavor. Think East Beach Blondes, Naked Cowboys, Kusshis, and Shigokus—a well-balanced mix that offers something for every type of slurper.

While the raw bar is the star, the menu extends into elevated comfort food—think lobster knuckles, shrimp sliders, and house-made clam chowder. Pair it all with a chilled glass of white or one of their seasonal cocktails, and you have got a surprisingly elevated oyster experience, right in the heart of Midtown.

Whether you are Midtown-bound for a show or exploring NYC’s icons, The Mermaid Oyster Bar makes for an approachable yet satisfying way to mark National Oyster Day in NYC.

Hours

• Lunch | Monday – Sunday: Noon – 3:30 PM
• Dinner | Monday – Sunday: 4 PM – 9:00 PM

Happy Hour

• Everyday: 4 PM – 5:30 PM

05. The Clam

📍Location: 420 Hudson Street — West Village, Manhattan

Tucked into a charming corner of the West Village, The Clam feels like a love letter to the Atlantic. Helmed by Chef Mike Price, this seafood-focused gem champions the kind of casual elegance New York does best—approachable, unfussy, but quietly exceptional.

Here, the menu ebbs and flows with the tides. Expect standout signatures like Spaghetti and Clams, Cast Iron Baked Cod Fish Provencal, and the namesake appetizer—The Clam Dip served with zesty potato chips. But on National Oyster Day, the Raw Bar Plateau is where the celebration begins.

Their oyster program leans into East Coast favorites, balanced with a few West Coast selections. It’s not about volume here—it is about purity of flavor and impeccable sourcing. Oysters arrive pristinely shucked, briny and bright, with seasonal accoutrements that enhance rather than distract. Pair with a glass of Muscadet or a crisp martini and take your time—The Clam is a space made for lingering.

Hours

• Tuesday – Sunday: Noon to late

Happy Hour

Tuesday – Sunday: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Other Ways to Celebrate National Oyster Day

01. Take a Day Trip to an Oyster Farm Near NYC

There is something grounding about leaving the city behind for a few hours—especially when the escape brings you closer to the source of what is on your plate. A day trip to a nearby oyster farm is both a palate-expanding and perspective-shifting experience. It is where the briny magic begins, long before the oyster hits the half shell.

From reef restoration projects to sustainable aquaculture operations, these experiences are more than just scenic—they’re a reminder of the care, science, and stewardship behind each slurp.

The Billion Oyster Project

A nonprofit with an audacious mission: to restore one billion oysters to New York Harbor. The project blends community action with education, and yes, there are ways to get involved. Visitors can join volunteer events, reef-building workshops, or attend periodic public tours to witness how oysters are helping to heal the harbor’s ecosystem.

Blue Island Oyster Co

Located in Long Island Sound, this family-run farm is a staple among NYC’s top raw bars. Their tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at how oysters are cultivated and harvested, followed by a tasting of freshly shucked oysters—often while standing ankle-deep in the water that raised them. Expect charm, salt air, and an unforgettable afternoon.

Peeko Oysters

Peeko is a name you will often spot on NYC menus, but there is something special about tasting them straight from Peconic Bay. The farm offers seasonal tours where you can explore their growing techniques, learn about the region’s oyster heritage, and—of course—enjoy a curated tasting of their signature briny, slightly sweet oysters with a view of the water.

02. Celebrate with Oyster Festivals & Events Around NYC

If you prefer staying within the city’s pulse, National Oyster Day in NYC often brings a wave of oyster-centric events, small and large, to the region. These gatherings offer a rare chance to sample multiple oyster varieties, meet local growers, and revel in the culture surrounding the shellfish.

Long Island Prime Oyster Festival

📍Location: Prime Pasture Farms, 191 South Street — Manorville, NY | 📆 Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025 | Time: 1 PM – 5 PM | Cost: $108.11

A new addition to the oyster calendar, this afternoon festival brings together Long Island oyster farmers, local brews, and live music in a sunlit rustic setting at Ho Hum Oyster Farm. Tickets include oyster tastings, a beer garden featuring local breweries, light bites, and community vibes aimed at both locals and New York City oyster lovers.

Billion Oyster Project Presentation

📍Location: Baylander’s Jungle Deck – Harlem Piers [West 125th Street & Hudson River] | 📆 Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025 | Time: Noon – 2 PM | Cost: FREE

This free, open-to-the-public presentation offers a firsthand look at New York Harbor’s revitalization efforts via oyster reef restoration. Held aboard the Baylander, a historic naval vessel turned floating bar and restaurant, this is your chance to learn how the oyster is helping rebuild marine ecosystems while enjoying riverside views.

Hosted in partnership with the Summer on the Hudson series, the event is casual, educational, and inspiring. Seating is limited and first-come, first-served, so arrive early if you would like a good spot.

Why These Are Worth the Trip

• For the Locals: You can stay anchored to the city while still joining in curated community events tied to oyster culture.
• And for the Curious: Meet the growers, discover oyster provenance, and taste oysters straight from sea-to-shuck.
• For the Seasoned Slurper: Festivals like these collect oyster varieties, local beer, and regional storytelling into one afternoon of slurp-worthy magic.

✨ Note: Most city-based oyster festivals happen later in August or early September—check community calendars and oyster farm websites for updates. While some traditional events like Blue Island’s festival have sold out in advance, tickets remain available for well-organized experiences like the Prime Pasture Oyster Festival.

03. Learn to Shuck Like a New Yorker

If slurping oysters is a delight, learning to shuck and serve them yourself is a power move. Across New York City, a handful of culinary schools, seafood purveyors, and oyster-forward restaurants offer hands-on classes where you will gain more than just technique—you will absorb tradition, texture, and timing.

These sessions typically walk you through:

• How to select and store oysters at home
• The safest, cleanest way to shuck [without injury or shell shards]
• Flavor pairing basics—from mignonettes to wine

Expect expert instruction, a few laughs, and a shared sense of discovery as you unlock the sensory satisfaction of preparing oysters with your own hands. It is a tactile ritual, one that adds depth to any dinner party or quiet night in.

Where to Look

• Institute of Culinary Education [ICE] – Often offers oyster shucking workshops throughout summer and fall.
• Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. – Occasionally hosts intimate classes or demo nights.
• Murray’s Cheese [Yes, really!] – Known to pair oysters with unexpected accompaniments in seasonal workshops.
• Eventbrite and Resy – Search for “oyster class NYC” or “shuck and sip” to discover pop-ups and one-night classes.

A Final Slurp: How to Celebrate National Oyster Day in NYC

From candlelit oyster bars to schooner-side slurps, New York City offers a thousand ways to honor the humble bivalve on National Oyster Day. Whether you’re drawn to historic haunts in Manhattan, standout destinations in Brooklyn, or curious enough to venture to an oyster farm, the city invites you to indulge, explore, and celebrate.

We hope this guide has inspired your next great oyster moment. And now, we turn it over to you: What is your go-to oyster spot? The most memorable oyster you have ever tasted? Share your Oyster Day rituals and discoveries in the comments below—we would love to hear how you celebrate.