Reviews
From the outside this restaurant looks simple and welcoming, but I was so so happy with my decision to stop in on a warm spring day. We got seated near the windows which allowed for the perfect breeze. I started with the happy hour special, one NY state local beer and a half dozen oysters for $12. I got the wheat beer with raspberry undertones and it was phenomenal with the brine of the oysters. For my main I decided to have a little fun and get the squid ink and sea urchin. I was afraid that it would be too fishy with the roe but I couldn’t stop eating this dish. My boyfriend got the tuna tartare to start and the surf and turf. He said the tuna was one of the best things he’s ever ordered. However the steak was a little chewy. Nonetheless, we can’t wait to come back after work.
Finally visited here, and the vibe was great. It was neither too loud nor too crowded. We accidentally sat on the bar side, but the owner and servers were super nice. We tried some sample beers, and the server gave us a free whiskey cake, which was the perfect finish to our meal. I don’t remember the name of the beer with coffee flavor, but I want to try it on my next visit!
Came here for the oyster happy hour and left super satisfied. The deal was a draft beer and six oysters for $12. There were three different types of oysters and the waitress recommended trying two of each. They were all pretty delicious but the small ones from south hampton were the tastiest. I ended up getting a second happy hour deal! The waitress was friendly and helpful and the place had a nice ambience. Also really enjoyed the whiskey cake before leaving. Hope to be back soon!
I've visited this oyster bar countless times over the decade I've lived in New York. However, our last visit on February 24, 2024, marked a disappointing change. Disappointment 1 - Unequal Treatment: Discrimination Against Asians We had reserved a table for three at 5 but arrived 15 minutes late due to weekend traffic. Despite the restaurant being nearly empty at 5:15 PM—with only one table occupied in the dining room and the bar area deserted—the receptionist informed us they could no longer hold our table due to our tardiness, offering seating around the bar or outside. Given the cold day, we preferred not to sit outdoors, so I politely inquired if we could wait at the bar for a dining room table to become available. The receptionist refused, stating that table assignments could not be altered once guests were seated. Ironically, later, we observed a Caucasian couple being reseated upon request. Attempting to resolve the reservation issue, I successfully booked another table for three at 5:30 through Google. However, upon showing this to the receptionist, she dismissed it, claiming no tables were available. Doubtful of her honesty, we were advised to return at 6:30 PM when she assured us seating would be available. So we waited next door at The Headless Widow. During our wait, I secured another reservation for 6:15 PM and returned to the oyster bar at 6:00 PM to check on our seating. Surprisingly, at 6:07 PM, the receptionist seated us as if the previous booking issues never existed. Disappointment 2 - Unfair Bill & Bad Service After we were seated, I ordered 4 happy hour combos with wine, my go-to order at this restaurant. The server typically takes the 4 glasses of wine order as a bottle. Later, we ordered another set of 4 happy hour combos with wine. The waitress promptly brought the second bottle accompanying our meal. However, the oysters did not arrive after a 40-minute wait. I informed the waiter in the restaurant that we wished to cancel our oysters due to the lengthy wait, and he assured us it was no problem. Shortly after, the waitress approached our table aggressively, stating we could not cancel the oyster order since the wine bottle had already been delivered and accusing me of being inconsiderate despite our 40-minute wait. I explained that I had already canceled the order with the waiter and would not pay for items we never received. She then angrily presented us with the check, which still included the 8 happy hour combos with wine. I told her that in this case, I was expecting to pay only for four happy hour combos with wine + a bottle of wine. She then reacted with a tantrum, disputing the equivalence of four glasses of wine to a bottle and demanding payment for the incorrect bill. After going back and forth, she finally agreed to adjust the bill, yelled at me, saying forget about the tips, and wished me to leave ASAP. Disappointment 3 - Deliberate Damage to My Card After paying the bill with our card, we didn't use the same card for several days. It wasn't until today that I discovered the chip on our card had been deliberately damaged. Deep scratches are visible on the chip, as shown in the picture. Clearly, the damage occurred on the day we dined at the restaurant after we handed in the card for the bill. It was such low-class behavior, something I would never have expected to experience in a restaurant that I used to love visiting. Experiences like these tarnish a business's reputation and highlight the urgent need to address issues of discrimination. I urge the management to investigate these incidents, take appropriate action against such discriminatory practices, and ensure that all customers feel welcomed and valued. Let this be a turning point towards a more inclusive and respectful dining experience for everyone.
The best oyster bar in NYC! Visit here for Happy Hour, the oyster come with a beer a lot of local beer selection if you prefer having wine, it is only $15. The entire also good, the pasta is the best! The only one we are not recommending is the cured salmon, it is super salty!
This NYC restaurant has become my absolute favorite over the past three year!! The food is exceptional, offered at reasonable prices, and the staff is very friendly without any sense of rushing you through dinner. Recommend the oysters, crudo with caviar and tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes!Food: 5/5
I was on a trip in NYC and this was the best experience I had! We came in late on a Friday night, and the bartender/server was very attentive that he made recommendations on wine, oysters, etc. This was by far the best service I’ve ever received and I would definitely come back when I visit the city again! Of course, the food was great - oysters were fresh and house made sauce was top-notch!
Amazing restaurant to have a romantic dinner! I went there with my boyfriend for our anniversary and we both loved it! The food was so fresh and tasty! The waiter’s drink recommendations were spot on and we are definitely coming back!Recommended dishesBeer Steamed Mussels or Clams, Seafood
Went there for dinner and the food and service was very good. The happy hour special is especially good !! Will be back againFood: 4/5
Been on my list given it’s in the neighbourhood and on multiple NYC HH spots. Was truly impressed by the food. Oyster - agree with other reviewers prob the best in the city I’ve tried. There was touches of Japanese infused flavours that I wasn’t 100% thrilled by but regardless delicious. Squid ink pasta with uni & fish roe was the most delicious dish between textures and flavours. We shared everything plus had a cocktail each which was perfect. Will definitely return for HH.