$1 Oyster Deals
Originally published in Time Out Boston, November 9, 2010
Bon Savor
This French/Peruvian bistro is known for its brunch, but the dinner crowd has been growing since they launched their dollar oyster night. This is definitely one for those who prefer a mellow atmosphere to a raucous bar scene. Tue 5:30-10pm, 605 Centre St, Jamaica Plain (617-971-0000, bonsavor.com)
Dante
With its stunning views of the Charles River and Boston skyline, Dante is worth checking out even if you don’t like oysters. But you do, so you’re in luck: in addition to the usual Island Creeks, the chef sometimes gets in Pemaquids and Wellfleets. Daily 4-6pm in the bar and lounge, 40 Edwin H. Land Blvd, East Cambridge (617-497-4200, restaurantdante.com)
The Ginger Exchange
After spending $6 on drinks, you can take advantage of the oyster special at this Inman Square restaurant that specializes in Asian-fusion cuisine. On a recent visit, some briny beauties from Glidden Point, Maine were available. Thu 11pm-1am, 1287 Cambridge St, Inman Square, Cambridge (617-250-8618, thegingerexchange.com)
The Lansdowne
Oysters are probably not the first thing you’d associate with Irish pub fare, but after a pint or two of Guinness, you might feel differently. Note: due to this pub’s primo game-side location, the deal is only valid on days when the Red Sox aren’t playing at home. Mon-Wed 4-8pm, 9 Lansdowne St, Fenway, Boston (617-247-1222, landsdownepubboston.com)
Lineage
Cozy up in front of the large wood-burning oven for a hearty helping of Island Creek oysters and homemade brioche rolls. The all-domestic wine list offers a number of tasty whites by the glass that pair perfectly with shellfish. Come early, though, as the bar only seats 11 people. Daily 5-7pm at the bar, 242 Harvard St, Brookline (617-232-0065, lineagerestaurant.com)
Marliave
Just east of the Common, this old-timey two-story restaurant typically features four types of oysters, all sourced from New England. From the marble bar to the vintage cocktails, you’ll feel like you wandered into a speakeasy. Daily 4-6pm and 9-10pm, 10 Bosworth St, Downtown, Boston (617-422-0004, marliave.com)
Myers + Chang
“We are not selfish with our shellfish!” claims this South End eatery, and yet the 12-oysters-per-person limit suggests otherwise. Oyster oblivion? Not quite. However, PBR tallboys are also only a buck, so that’s a plus. Sun 8-10pm, 1145 Washington St, South End, Boston (617-542-5200, myersandchang.com)
Rialto
Slurping oysters feels downright classy at Rialto, located in the swank Charles Hotel. There’s no limit to how many you can order, but supplies are limited and once the last oyster’s been shucked, it’s all over…till next Monday. Mon 5:30-11:30pm at the bar, 1 Bennett St, Harvard Square, Cambridge (617-661-5050, rialto-restaurant.com)
Russell House Tavern
If your idea of a midnight snack involves cocktail sauce and a tiny fork, Russell House has your back. Open less than a year, this upscale pub has already become one of Harvard Square’s most popular late-night spots. Daily 11pm-close, 14 JFK St, Harvard Square, Cambridge (617-500-3055, russellhousecambridge.com)
Skipjack’s Seafood Emporium
Depending on what’s fresh that day, you can enjoy different North Atlantic oyster varieties—Blue Points from Long Island, Malpeques and Shiny Seas from Prince Edward Island—as well as chilled jumbo shrimp and Cherrystone clams, all for $1 a pop. Mon 3:30-10pm in the bar and lounge, 199 Clarendon St, Back Bay, Boston (617-536-3500, skipjacks.com)