Matt Fink
For centuries in New York the slippery, opalescent oyster dominated the shores, their bone white shell fragments crunching underfoot. They were so ubiquitous as to be almost an afterthought, a cheap one at that, costing nothing at all before the arrival of the Dutch.
That was then. Now, a plump, innocent-looking little Kumamoto from Puget Sound will easily rob you of $3.50 in even a mid-range New York restaurant. This rampant inflation is frustrating, because the delectable bivalves are like ritz crackers: it’s impossible to eat just one. That’s why we’ve compiled this handy list for you, the financially cautious mollusc fiend. Partake in a bit of New York’s edible legacy while keeping penury at bay.
Just a block north of lovely Maria Hernandez Park, Mominette is an east coast oyster lover’s paradise: anything from a quotidian Blue Point (Connecticut) to a gnarly-shelled Chincoteague (Virginia) costs a dollar from 12 pm to 7 pm, Monday – Friday. That means that a big ol’ batch of oysters could feasibly accompany your brunch, lunch or dinner, all meals that the restaurant manages with unpretentious Gallic aplomb.
221 Knickerbocker
Oyster Happy Hour: Weekdays, 12 pm to 7 pm
As its name implies, this bustling, impeccably designed Jefferson L stop-adjacent establishment is strong like bull (shark) when it comes to preparation of seafaring organisms. Your dollar oysters (offered 4pm to 7 pm, everyday) could be accompanied by anything from smoked trout dip to “peel n’ eat prawns.” There are plenty of terrestrial options on the menu, like roast chicken, but the $200 Grilled Sea Wolf Tower makes plain their piscine fetish.
19 Wyckoff Ave
Oyster Happy Hour: Monday to Sunday, 4 pm – 7 pm
Situated right on the border between residential Bushwick and its warehouse-dominated alter ego, The Narrows offers plenty for the cocktail geek while not alienating the rest of us who just want our boilermaker. It’s a dependable destination for late night food, to boot. Oh, and dollar oysters everyday until 7 p.m.
1037 Flushing Ave.
Oyster Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 5 pm – 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 3 pm – 7 pm
Just a few blocks north of The Narrows is the New England-style “clam shack,” and it wears its bleached-and-brined seaside raiments with minimal fuss. The menu projects a similarly laid back vibe with boardwalk classics like fish & chips and clam chowder (plus $1 oysters weekdays, 4 pm – 7 pm) sharing room with cauliflower sliders and lobster tacos with sweet corn esquite.
2 Knickerbocker Ave.
Oyster Happy Hour: Monday – Friday, 4 pm – 7 pm
One of the newest restaurants on this list, Pizzette is staking a pioneering claim to the relatively quiet area around the Montrose L stop. It’s owned by Steve Shaka, a restauranteur with two other notches on his Bushwick belt: the aforementioned Mominette, and Bushwick Bakery. Aside from six and 10-inch pies and a gut-busting weekend brunch, they keep customers filing in with $1 oysters served from 5 pm until close every night of the week. Now that’s hospitality.
191 Graham Ave
Oyster Happy Hour: 5 pm to close, every night (discluding brunch)
Right next door to neighborhood favorite Sea Wolf (a bold move) is Lot 45. The place checks a lot of boxes. It turns into a club full of gorgeous, shiny people at night, while its approach to food and drink is eager to please. There’s savory and sweet crepes, avocado toast, a chicken and waffle sandwich. To wash it all down, you can opt for a refreshing, effervescent Peachy Rose Spritzer or a workmanlike can of Narragansett. The real draw here, though, is the joint’s happy hour (Tuesday – Friday, 5 pm – 8 pm): Blue Point oysters for a buck, well drinks and draft beer for $5, and wines by the glass for $6. That, also, is hospitality.
411 Troutman St.
Oyster Happy Hour: Tuesday – Friday, 5 pm – 8 pm
Cover image courtesy of Timothy Meador.
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