My Ever-Growing List of Favorite Oyster Bars

Few things make me happier than a good oyster.

Over the years, oyster bars have become an unexpected constant in my life. They've been the backdrop for happy hours, celebrations, family dinners, and the occasional afternoon when a dozen oysters and a glass of wine sounded like the perfect way to spend a few hours.

Some of my favorites are historic institutions. Others are tiny neighborhood spots tucked away on side streets. A few have become destinations in their own right, drawing visitors from around the world. What they all have in common is that I'd happily pull up a seat at the bar and order a dozen tomorrow.

Ahead, my ever-growing list of favorite oyster bars.

The Walrus and the Carpenter

SEATTLE

My oyster bar obsession began here.

After reading a 2011 New York Times article about The Walrus and the Carpenter, I made the trip to Ballard to see what the hype was about. More than a decade later, I'm still showing up 30 minutes before opening to secure a seat. The restaurant doesn't take reservations, but the ritual is part of the charm. I've brought my parents here multiple times, introduced no fewer than three boyfriends to it, and at this point have worked my way through every item on the menu. The oysters are, of course, the main attraction, but nothing on the menu is a miss. What I love most, however, is that it hasn't changed. The space remains small, intimate, and perpetually buzzing in the way only truly great neighborhood restaurants can be.

Grand Central Oyster Bar

NEW YORK CITY

I first learned about Grand Central Oyster Bar from a college boyfriend whose family had a long-standing tradition of dining there every holiday season. Naturally, the one year we dated was the year they decided not to go. The result was that Grand Central Oyster Bar became elusive in my mind. When I finally made it there, it was exactly what I'd hoped for. Located beneath Grand Central Terminal, Grand Central Oyster Bar is pure old New York. The vaulted tiled ceilings, sprawling dining room, and seemingly endless oyster selection make it feel like a step back in time. In an era when restaurants often seem to reinvent themselves every few years, there's something refreshing about a place that knows exactly what it is and has been doing it well for generations.

Jaffa Bar

PHILADELPHIA

Jaffa opened just a few blocks from my apartment in Fishtown, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the restaurant manages to feel both stylish and welcoming at the same time. The cocktails are exceptional, the oyster bar is always lively, and I've genuinely never had a bad meal there. Whenever I think about places I miss from my years in Philadelphia, Jaffa is invariably near the top of the list.

Oyster House

PHILADELPHIA

A city institution, Oyster House is the kind of place that seems to attract everyone at happy hour. The bar is perpetually packed, the martinis are excellent, and the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between lively and unpretentious. Whether you're a longtime local or simply visiting the city, it's one of those restaurants that feels essential to the Philadelphia experience.

Pearl's Oyster Bar

PHILADELPHIA

Located inside Reading Terminal Market, Pearl's offers a completely different oyster-bar experience than many of the others on this list, and that's precisely why I love it. There's something wonderfully approachable about grabbing a seat at the counter and ordering oysters in the middle of one of Philadelphia's most beloved food destinations. The atmosphere is casual, the staff is friendly, and it always feels like a good time.