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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to the Lower East Side

Oyster bars

Made for those who view a raw bar as the only acceptable way to start an evening.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Le Jardin Bistro NYC image 1
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French restaurant

Cozy French restaurant with vintage decor and chandeliers creates a romantic atmosphere with dim lighting and intimate settings. Large rooftop bar and garden offer an open, beautiful space with views of Manhattan streets. Cocktails are well-crafted, complementing classic French dishes in a charming, elegant environment.

Phenomenal food pairs with first-class service and a charming atmosphere for a truly memorable dining experience.

Oysters come out excellent and rich with a decadent touch. They pair well with other dishes like steak tartare and escargot.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are phenomenal for Date Spots."

"The food here is delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The oysters here were excellent and rich."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service on weekends.

2

The restaurant accepts credit cards and mobile payments, but no personal checks.

3

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak brunch hours.

02
87 Ludlow image 1
Tapas bar

Small, intimate space with warm lighting and a charming interior creates a cozy atmosphere. Guests enjoy diverse Filipino tapas paired with unique cocktails like shochu espresso martinis. The vibe suits casual dinners with friends rather than romantic dates.

Filipino food here stands out for being unique and mind-blowing. The menu pairs well with top notch drinks and the service matches the high quality of the food.

Oyster Sisig stands out as a signature dish, often paired with other seafood like Panang Curry Mussels and Uni Palabok. The oyster preparations blend well with rich flavors, making them a highlight on the menu.

People are saying

"The Filipino-Spanish fusion food here is a must-try for date spots."

"The food here is amazing, especially the adobo kebab."

"You have to try the Oyster Sisig; it's a must-try dish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are essential, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Happy Hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

3

The menu features Filipino/Spanish fusion dishes.

03
TAKUMI OMAKASE image 1
Japanese restaurant

Tiny six-person sushi counter creates an intimate setting with modern, elegant decor. Lively and energetic atmosphere contrasts typical omakase calm, featuring friendly interaction between chef and diners. BYOB policy and complimentary sake add to the welcoming experience.

Omakase here offers impeccable quality with excellent food and service. The dining experience feels perfectly curated from start to finish.

Oysters come with yuzu cream and salmon roe or a ginger foam topping. They appear in appetizers alongside rich ingredients like foie gras and eel, creating standout flavor combinations.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and high quality."

"The food here is so fresh and thoughtfully crafted."

"The omakase here is a superb quality and a great value."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the 5pm seating on Saturdays.

2

The restaurant is BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle).

3

The price for the 15-course omakase is $85, which is reasonable for NYC.

04
Black Crescent image 1

Intimate neighborhood bar with a friendly pub-like atmosphere and diverse crowd singing along to old-school hip-hop and pop. Offers amazing, unique cocktails and phenomenally fresh oysters at affordable prices. The vibe is warm, laidback, and vibey, making it a comfortable spot for casual nights.

Food features American tapas style options and excellent oysters. The menu offers terrific dishes that suit a neighborhood spot well.

Oysters come big and juicy, served icy cold and perfectly cleaned. They taste phenomenally fresh and are offered at affordable prices, making for a casual and enjoyable experience.

People are saying

"The oysters here are fresh and seriously tasty."

"I found it to be a super cool dive bar with a great vibe."

"The food here is delicious, especially the fresh oysters."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with half-price oysters and shrimp.

2

The venue is great for hosting events and group gatherings.

3

Prices are reasonable compared to similar spots in the area.

05
SET L.E.S. image 1
Restaurant

Small interior with neon lights and street art creates a trendy, lively atmosphere. Multiple large TVs offer a 360-degree sports view, while a diverse music playlist energizes the space. Crowd mixes young and old, gathering for drinks, food, and socializing in a cozy downtown vibe.

Food features a mix of Asian Latin fusion with dishes like soft, hot tacos. Quality stays consistent with excellent flavors and a fun atmosphere enhancing the dining experience.

Oysters stand out with their exceptional flavor and freshness. Multiple orders show they are a favorite dish and consistently rated highly.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The chicken and waffles for brunch were delicious."

"I found the oysters to be exceptionally good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant adds a 20% automatic gratuity to each check, regardless of party size.

2

You should make reservations since the venue is small.

3

The happy hour is from 5-7 PM and features a variety of food and drink options.

06
Cowboy Tom's image 1

Cocktail bar with cowboy-themed decor and a star-studded ceiling creates a unique, authentic atmosphere. DJs play on a sweet sound system, keeping energy lively and matching the space's vibe. Features include a pool table and creative art, attracting a crowd that appreciates both style and fun activities.

Food offers a great selection with every bite showing real care. Cocktails and cuisine come out delicious and well-crafted.

$1 oysters stand out for their freshness and delicious taste. They create a lively vibe and offer great value.

People are saying

"The vibe here is so cool, especially the 90s hip hop playlist."

"Fernando, the bartender, made everyone at the bar feel welcome."

"The food here is amazing, and the staff makes you feel right at home."

Good to know

1

The cocktail bar opens next week with a special launch event.

2

Reservations are recommended for the opening night to secure a spot.

3

The bar features a happy hour from 5-7pm daily after opening.

07
Dirty French New York image 1
French restaurant

Space blends lazy Parisian vibe with punk rock soul, featuring vintage furniture and cozy booths. Atmosphere feels timeless and relaxed, offering a peaceful contrast to the city's fast pace. Guests enjoy ample space and varied dining areas, including a semi-outdoor section with a glass ceiling.

Food here stands out for its incredible quality and amazing flavors. The dishes consistently deliver a top-tier dining experience.

Fresh oysters come perfectly shucked and served raw or grilled. Appetizer oysters sometimes arrive topped with caviar, adding a rich touch.

People are saying

"The blood orange sorbet dessert was exceptional."

"The food here is delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The oysters here are perfectly shucked and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must, but there are lots of tables available.

2

The restaurant is expensive, with meals often exceeding $100 per person.

3

Sides must be ordered separately as they are not included with mains.

08
Double Chicken Please image 1

Small, Japan-inspired bar splits into two distinct rooms: dark, refined backroom with craft cocktails and lively front room offering draft drinks and casual bites. Atmosphere feels chic and sexy, with innovative cocktails and standout chicken dishes drawing a dedicated crowd despite long waits.

Food and drinks deliver consistent quality with every visit. Cocktails serve as full-course meals in a glass, offering a unique dining experience alongside great service.

Oysters stand out with their exceptional freshness and rich flavor. They often become the highlight of the meal.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are inventive and unlike anything I've tried."

"I found the food to be delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the oysters were the best part of the experience."

Good to know

1

Reservations are definitely needed, as they sell out quickly.

2

Be prepared to wait outside for at least an hour on weekends.

3

The wait time for the coop side can be 3-4 hours.

09
Mila's Bistro image 1

Small bistro with Parisian brasserie vibe offers cozy indoor and outdoor seating and charming old world decor. Atmosphere feels like a street in Paris with great music enhancing the experience. Space is intimate and comfortable, creating a lovely, relaxed mood.

Duck confit, roast chicken, and steak frites stand out as key dishes. Food arrives quickly and tastes delicious with excellent service.

Happy hour offers $1.25 to $2 oysters with decent size and good taste. The oysters pair well with French fries and attract repeat visits.

People are saying

"The food here is top-notch and really good."

"I loved their happy hour oysters; they were a decent size."

"You have to try the happy hour oysters; they're a great deal."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $1 oysters and appealing drink prices.

2

Reservations are recommended as the bistro fills up quickly.

3

The restaurant is conveniently located near Bowery Ballroom for concert-goers.

10
Grey Lady image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers spacious event rooms with high ceilings and separate bars. Loud music and a live DJ create a lively atmosphere where dancing is common. Outdoor patio and cozy couch seating add variety to the energetic vibe.

Food features an excellent quality and a diverse menu selection. Recommendations for food and drinks come from knowledgeable staff, enhancing the overall experience.

Happy hour offers $1 oysters that are fresh and tasty. East Coast oysters come with a lively atmosphere and pair well with beer or wine.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the $1 oyster Happy Hour; they were fresh and briny."

"You have to try the $1 oyster happy hour deal; it's unbeatable."

"The food here was honestly incredible and delicious."

Good to know

1

$1 oysters are available during happy hour on Sundays and Mondays.

2

Reservations are required, and a $200 fee applies for no-shows.

3

Be cautious with your belongings as thefts have been reported.

11
Eel Bar image 1
Basque restaurant

Sleek space blends retro vibe with modern touches and features textured windows that create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The setting feels stylish and lively without being too loud, making it suitable for dates or groups. A hidden-in-plain-sight location adds to the sultry, curated mood.

Spectacular food stands out with absolutely delicious flavors and consistently great quality across dishes.

Baked oysters stand out among the tapas-style dishes. Availability varies, so order oysters when possible.

People are saying

"The fried fish and shrimp were so fresh and delicious."

"The food here, especially the burger, was exactly what I wanted."

"The oysters here were good, standing out as a highlight."

Good to know

1

There is space for walk-ins at the bar.

2

The food menu is a mix of small and large plates.

3

Expect great food and drinks.

12
Essex image 1
Steak house

Massive space with roomy seating and lively atmosphere suits large groups and animated brunches. Outdoor seating offers a luxury dining experience with pleasant ambiance. Music adds a fun, cool vibe throughout the venue.

Food offers great brunch energy with a tasty starter of mac n cheese and a solid entree all around $30. The overall quality is excellent and consistently amazing.

Fresh and tasty oysters come at a great price with a $2 oyster deal during happy hour. The oyster and wine pairing adds to the experience, making it easy to enjoy multiple rounds.

People are saying

"Our server Helena made our brunch amazing and full of libations."

"I found the food here to be really flavorful and delicious."

"The oyster and wine happy hour deal was really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at Helena Brunch on weekends due to its popularity.

2

The bottomless brunch is available from 11am to 4pm on weekends.

3

Happy Hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

13
Beauty & Essex image 1
Restaurant

Entrance through a pawn shop leads to a hidden speakeasy with gorgeous chandeliers and a grand staircase. The interior divides into smaller rooms, each with its own dimly lit ambiance and stylish decor. Music stays at a comfortable volume, creating a sleek, social vibe suited for evening gatherings.

Food features Michelin star quality in both taste and presentation. The menu offers amazing dishes that satisfy the entire party, paired with great drinks and attentive service.

East and West Coast oysters come with impeccably fresh taste and well-prepared accompaniments. The menu offers unique options including bone marrow alongside the oysters.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and delicious."

"The service at dinner spots was outstanding and attentive."

"I found the oysters to be really delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to secure a table.

2

Parking costs $90, which is quite high.

3

The entrance to the restaurant is through a pawn shop.

14
Claw Daddy's image 1
Seafood restaurant

Large space with a semi-private upstairs area feels awkward and lacks character. Music played by a live DJ keeps energy high, but loud volume challenges conversation. Bar area is lively and crowded, featuring unique adult Capri Sun cocktails and a mix of flavorful seafood dishes.

Spicy and tasty Cajun food arrives on time and pairs well with cold drinks. Dishes are well priced and consistently delicious.

Grilled oysters come fresh and tasty, priced at around $2 each. Happy hour offers oysters at $1 each, making for a fresh and affordable experience with wonderful flavor.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so flavorful, especially the crab legs."

"The grilled oysters here are amazing."

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 5-7pm every day with great deals.

2

Happy hour includes $1 oysters and $1 wings.

3

The grilled oysters are $2 each during happy hour.

15
Wildair image 1
New American restaurant

Small space with brick walls and high top tables creates an intimate, chill vibe. Natural and orange wines stand out alongside creative dishes like beef tartare and savory eclairs. Atmosphere turns lively and crowded, reflecting a trendy downtown energy without pretension.

Food shows consistent quality with every dish. Flavors come through as well thought out and really good.

Freshness stands out with the oysters here. They come with a fantastic taste that pairs well with other dishes like beef tartare.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and creative."

"The wine list here is amazing and pairs nicely with the food."

"The oysters here were fantastic and fresh."

Good to know

1

The Saturday specialty donuts are served from 12-2:30.

2

This restaurant does not take reservations.

3

The menu consists mainly of small plates and appetizers.

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Lower East Side, New York

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